The Flag Institute

Flags for churches

The Flag Institute regularly gets queries on this subject, such as the appropriate flag to fly on religious or local festivals, can the Red Ensign be flown on Merchant Navy Day, and so on.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee gave rise to an increased interest in the flying of flags, and we had many questions concerning the appropriate action when the Queen Mother died. It thus seems an appropriate time to put together some guidance notes which we hope will prove helpful.

This full colour pamphlet is designed so that it can also be used as a poster and perhaps hung in the vestry, church office or some other appropriate place. There are few restrictions on flying flags, particularly as the UK has no flag act, unlike many other countries, but there are some rules and customs which should be observed. We have tried to summarise these, and have included a list of suggested flag flying days. These are neither mandatory nor exhaustive, and in the end it is entirely a matter for the Incumbent and the PCC.

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