Pastor Puts 'God Before Government' by Raising Christian Flag Above American Flag

ashley.rae | July 8, 2015
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In the town of Shelby, North Carolina, one pastor is hoping to start a movement about putting “God before government” by flying a Christian flag above the American flag.

On July 5, Elizabeth Baptist Church Pastor Rit Varriale began raising a flag with Christian imagery above the American flag outside his church. Although flag protocol dictates the American flag should be positioned above the Christian flag, Varriale believes this conflicts with the idea of putting God first.

Speaking to WBTV, Varriale said, “Our typical flag etiquette is to have the American flag above the Christian flag. But when you stop and think about it, it should be our commitment to God first, then our commitment to country.”

Varriale, who is a former Army Ranger, disputes the notion that his move is unpatriotic.

He told WBTV, “I really don't need a lecture on patriotism. I'm willing to give my life for my country. When you think of military mottos, for example, God and country, God first and then country.”

Varriale’s “God Before Government” website states, “This new approach to flag etiquette symbolizes that our service and commitment to God is greater than our service and commitment to government–especially a government that coerces us to violate our commitments to God.”

Varriale asks other churches to join his “God Before Government” movement by placing Christian flags above the American flag and sharing photos of the flags on social media with the hashtag #GodBeforeGovernment.

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