Today, my thumbnail reads “Vicar Intimidating Flag.” You can see the St George’s Cross and a small Church of England icon. This all stems from a post by the Reverend Brett Murphy on Twitter/X.
“Of course, it’s a middle-class, middle-aged female vicar who says St George’s flag graffiti is intimidating. The tide of culture is turning and those woke churches will be left in the dustbin of history.”
I agree with that sentiment. When I saw it, I immediately thought of the BBC—why would the BBC be promoting the Church of England on this? That’s a warning sign to me.
The BBC report and the “inclusive” framing
The BBC headline ran along the lines of: “Flag graffiti is attempt to intimidate, says vicar.” The Reverend Rachel Heskins said the graffiti, which appeared on the side of St John the Baptist Church in Lincoln on Monday night, was upsetting for a community that prides itself on being “inclusive.”
When I hear “inclusive” used this way for a church, alarm bells ring—because it often isn’t a biblical category as the Bible uses it. The report also said volunteers hoped to scrub the paint off the building.
For the record, I don’t want buildings covered in paint or graffiti. I support the St George’s flag—in potholes, on roundabouts, etc.—but I’m not sure about painting church buildings. I get why people feel strongly, but I don’t want walls defaced.
Of course it’s a middle aged female Vicar who says St. George’s flag graffiti is intimidating. The tide of culture is turning and these woke churches will be left in the dustbin of history. pic.twitter.com/0uCW7U8BCt
— Rev’d Canon Brett Murphy ✝️ ? ?? (@RevdBrettMurphy) August 27, 2025
Patriotism, nationalism, and policing
The St George’s Cross is now being framed as a symbol of “nationalism,” and nationalism is being confused with patriotism—two very different things. A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson reportedly confirmed they were investigating a report of criminal damage at the church.
And I can’t help asking: if it had been another flag—say, a Palestinian flag—would there also have been an investigation? Just a thought.
According to local democracy reporting, the vicar also said the graffiti “doesn’t represent us and what goes on inside the church.”
Is this biblical?
First things first: I believe the Bible is the guide for Christians—full stop. We go by what the Bible says. So the question is: is the vicar’s stance—and the church’s public posture—actually biblical?
A look at their Facebook page
Scrolling their Facebook page back to June: “Come and celebrate Pride Month with us at St John’s this Sunday.” I’m sorry, but that is not biblical.
Romans 1 on sexual ethics
“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
This does not mean someone living that lifestyle cannot repent. They can—I’ve seen it. But the church should not be promoting what the Bible calls sin.
What their website says
Their website headlines values like “Proudly Inclusive.” Do they have a Scripture for that? It says things such as “We believe in the inclusive church, a church which celebrates and affirms every person.” Yes, every person is made in God’s image and is unique. People can come to church and be transformed—I’ve seen that too. But the church should not promote everything culture affirms.
Another line: “We continue to challenge a church where it continues to discriminate against people.” Translated bluntly, it often means “We go our own way and ignore what the Bible says.” Then: “We welcome a church that welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ.” To me, using Jesus’ name to badge unbiblical agendas takes the Lord’s name in vain.
They also claim, “Be faithful to the gospel—our mission,” including being faithful in fellowship, relationships with other organisations and churches, daily lives, teaching, and openness to the whole community. But in reality, this doesn’t look faithful to the gospel. It looks like doing their own thing, not what the Bible says.
Other activities and alignments
They highlight Eco Church (a “more sustainable church”) and external groups including Extinction Rebellion. I don’t regard Extinction Rebellion as a biblical organisation. The list goes on.
And again, when the BBC pushes something like this, experience tells me there’s usually a problem: it rarely lines up with Scripture.
Bottom line: scanning that church website, I don’t see a focus on proclaiming the gospel.
The Great Commission (what should be front and centre)
Mark 16 lays out Christ’s mission for His church. This should be on every church’s website.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
That’s a very different emphasis from what I’m seeing. As Christians, we’re called to live in line with the Bible.
Gospel invitation
You may not agree with everything I’ve said, and I understand. Maybe you’re unsure what it means to be a Christian. Jesus came to give life abundantly. The thief comes to steal, but Jesus died a painful death on the cross so that everyone who believes in Him can have everlasting life—and so much more. It’s a wonderful thing to trust God’s promises and know death has lost its sting.
If you’d like to receive Jesus, pray this sincerely:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and Saviour of my life. I repent of all my sins. And I ask You today to take over complete control of every aspect of my life. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, the born-again Spirit can come into your life. You can be transformed forever and receive the wonderful gift of eternal life. If you have comments, I’m here to help and encourage. Thank you for reading.
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