N.C. Pastor Flies Christian Flag Above American Flag, Starts 'God Before Government' Movement

A Christian church in North Carolina is making national headlines by raising a Christian flag over the American flag in front of its church building.

Pastor Rit Varriale is telling local media outlets that in light of recent events, including the Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage a constitutional right, he is inclined to fly a flag representing Christianity above the American flag at Elizabeth Baptist Church in the town of Shelby, North Carolina.

Varriale said in a recent interview with local media outlet WBTV that he decided to fly the Christian flag over the American flag because he believes a commitment to God comes before a commitment to one's country.

"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," he told WBTV.

The flag representing Christianity consists of a white background with a small blue square and a red cross.

Varriale is now reportedly calling on other pastors to raise the Christian flag at their churches as well.

[…] from a Christian perspective, our flag etiquette is completely improper," the pastor told the Baptist Press in a recent interview, adding "We should be flying the Christian flag above the American flag."

"With all due respect, we honor our government, and we're very proud to be Americans, but we must honor God before human authority," Varriale added.