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Last modified: 2025-07-05 by martin karner
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In the US Navy, when a church service is under way, a church pennant (white
with blue cross) is traditionally flown above the US
flag.
Miles Li, 21 August 2003
The Flag Code expressly allows an exception for the church pennant to fly
above the Stars and Stripes during religious services conducted by a naval
chaplain at sea. The church pennant exception has itself been an issue of
contention on both "separation of church and state" and "honor of the national
flag" grounds. Even before the Flag Code, there were (unsuccessful) attempts in
Congress to prohibit the Navy by law from flying the church pennant above the
national ensign.
Joe McMillan, 21 August 2003
I have never seen a US vessel flying the church pennant, but in my own [South
African] and the British Royal Navy the church pennant is flown from the
starboard yardarm during services on board. Physically this might be higher than
the naval ensign/national flag. In reality, however, the ensign flying at the
ensign staff right aft, is in the position of honour in the ship. Ceremonially
therefore, the church pennant is not above the ensign or national flag in
the sense that it is in a superior position.
Andre Burgers, 21 August 2003
This argument is sound with regard to British and British-derived practice,
but this must be one of the few cases where USN ceremonial practice diverges
significantly from RN. In the USN, the church pennant flies immediately above
the ensign, whether at the flagstaff on the stern or at the gaff of the
aftermost mast. I've never seen it in person, but I have seen photographs, and
the USN directive on "Flags, Pennants and Customs" is very clear that the church
pennant (or Jewish worship pennant) is hoisted at the flagstaff or gaff on a
separate halyard from the ensign and the ensign is lowered clear. Strange but
true.
Joe McMillan, 21 August 2003
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