Loving country without losing the gospel

This article was first published by Evangelicals Now on 11 December 2025.

Christmas decorations are now up everywhere. For some people, this is a welcome relief from the ongoing proliferation of the various UK flags in all those places and more.

When it comes to the flags, some of us find it tempting to make harsh and hasty judgements about those putting them up, perhaps condemning a caricature of Christian nationalism as we do so.

At the other extreme, some of us make similarly swift and severe judgements about those intent on taking the flags down – possibly because we have blurred the lines between loving Jesus and loving our country.

In either case, we are largely disinclined to think through the full complexity of the other side’s motivations. And the reality is that – as ever, when human beings are involved – right motives are caught up with very wrong ones.

Operation Raise the Colours (one of the groups leading the campaign to display the flags) argues that the flags “stand for unity and patriotism, bringing people together through visible pride in our shared identity.” ^[1] But when one of their videos includes Winston Churchill’s 1940 speech, We shall fight on the beaches, and another has clips of flags emblazoned with “Stop the Boats,” ^[2] their version of patriotism becomes abhorrent. It is wrong on every level to suggest a comparison between Nazi Germany and those trying to immigrate to the UK. And it is awful that there has been a rise in racist incidents in conjunction with the flags being raised. ^[3] As Christians, we need to be prepared to say both those things. But we need to do so prayerfully and with humble hearts. We – both as individuals and as a constituency – can be all too good at drawing deeply hurtful lines to “other” those who are our neighbours.

We must also recognise that there are other motivations at play, including for those involved in Operation Raise the Colours and like-minded groups.

Some see the flags as a demonstration of pride in our country, perhaps reflecting the fury which followed a 12-year-old being sent home from school because of her Union Jack dress. ^[4] The subsequent removal of the UK flags has only compounded this frustration – particularly in light of previous recent decisions to allow other national flags to remain. ^[5] Whether or not we agree that raising flags is the best way to celebrate our national identity, there is an appropriateness to celebrating being British. Not because our ultimate identity derives from our national identity – it doesn’t. Not because our history is unblemished – far from it. Giving thanks for the UK is instead a result of our recognition that nationhood, including borders, is part of God’s design for humanity (Acts 17v26).

God has mapped out every stage of our lives (Psalm 139v13-16), which means that He has placed us in this particular time and nation. However far the UK is and has been from being perfect, there is still plenty about it for which we can give thanks. And we are called to be thankful people (1 Timothy 4v4).

Far more sadly, many of those putting up flags are fuelled by a growing sense of feeling disenfranchised. Feeling let down by those in power, the flags are their demand to be heard. ^[6] A right response to the flags should involve compassion and prayer for those who have been brought to the point of voicelessness. It should also involve us advocating wisely for them. Our God cares deeply for those who have no other defender (Psalm 72v12-13, Isaiah 10v1-2). As His people, we are called to do the same.

Acknowledging wrongs, examining our hearts, thanksgiving, advocating for and praying with the voiceless; but let’s go further still, especially when the flags come up in conversation. Let’s show our nation that we can celebrate being part of something bigger and better than a nation. As individuals, local churches and a whole constituency, let’s model what it looks like to unite under the Lord Jesus. Let’s help our nation see that the banner of Christ provides us with identity, dignity and purpose.

Most importantly, let’s show them our wise sovereign God. He remains wise and loving; He is steadfastly on His throne. When it comes to the UK and its flags, He is neither panicking nor raging. Trusting Him, we can do the same.

1. See Raise the Colours’ website here.
2. See Raise the Colours’ home page for the “Stop the Boats” video and their About Us page for the video with the Winston Churchill speech.
3. See ‘Don’t call this racist’: row grows over motives behind England flag campaign, The Guardian: here. Also More ‘racial incidents’ in Stockport since flags went up, council hears, Manchester Evening News: here.
4. See The questions about St George’s and union jack flags lining English streets, The BBC: here.
5. See Flags and loathing in Birmingham, The New Statesman: here.
6. See quotation from Trafford’s Conservative leader Nathan Evans in Manchester’s chief flag-raiser has put his people smuggling days behind him, The Manchester Mill: here.