Pastor Explains Flag Policy at Church

The pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish has responded to WCBC’s request for an explanation regarding the removal of a flag from church grounds.  The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization had recently placed a flag known as “Appeal to Heaven” at St. Patrick’s on North Centre Street.  Ed Taylor, the president of the organization, was informed by the church that this new flag had to be removed.  Taylor told WCBC that he removed all flags which had been donated.  Father Stephen Fernandes, pastor at the church, emailed WCBC Wednesday morning explaining that the Archdiocese of Baltimore policy states “flags that can be displayed on our church properties may only include the national flag, the state flag and the Vatican flag.”  Local parishes may not set their own policies regarding flags.