The flag, which flew on the US Capitol during the inauguration of President Biden in January 2021 joins one given to the church by US servicemen in the Second World War at St Laurence’s Church in Chorley. 

Speaker Pelosi was joined by the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the local MP, and the chairs or speakers from other legislatures in G7 countries.

The service, which highlighted the importance of freedom of religion and belief, took place alongside the G7 Speakers conference, which Sir Lindsay hosted in Chorley

In his sermon the rector Fr Neil Kelley said: “This very special gift of a new American Flag to hang in this church is a symbol of friendship and unity. 

“For us here in St Laurence’s it is a gift beyond price and we are truly indebted to Speaker Pelosi.”

The parish has another American connection – through Myles Standish, one of the original Pilgrim who is thought to have attended services there as a boy.

Both the story of Standish and the two US flags are explained in a new documentary available on YouTube. 

The Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, said: “For our Diocese to be involved at this level in an international event is important and is also another mark of the work we are doing (in partnership with others) as we seek to make our churches here in Lancashire healthy and so transform the wider community.