May, mind you. The Anglican (what else?) cleric in question hasn’t actually heard any complaints. But Muslims (so goes this kind of thinking), the poor dears are so sensitive, and have been victimized so much already. The good vicar shows no sign of being offended by the actions that Osama bin Laden and others have taken in the name of Islam. But at least there is a sign that some sane people still remain in Britain: he is encountering opposition. From The Guardian, with thanks to Funcon:
A Birmingham vicar was today accused of “political correctness gone mad” after calling for the historic Saracen’s Head pub to be renamed because it offends Muslims.
Kings Norton’s rector, Canon Rob Morris, said the name, which harks back to the Crusades, was “offensive”, although he had heard no complaints.
Mr Morris called for the name change just hours before the 500-year-old former pub stars tonight in the BBC’s Restoration television show, presented by Griff Rhys Jones. But his view has been blasted by one city councillor.
Coun Margaret Sutton, who represents Kings Norton, said: “It’s political correctness gone mad. What next? Will they change the name of the church as well?
“It’s a name we all accept and really don’t take any notice of. No-one has ever come to me to complain.”
But Mr Morris remained unrepentant today.
“The name we have got does manage to be offensive to Muslims and that’s not what Christians stand for.
“It’s clearly disrespectful to another religious tradition in this city. We shall be looking for brilliant ideas for a name change that will signify something to all.”
He said residents would be consulted about any change at the parish-owned building, although he acknowledged the name had been used “in all innocence for years by people who are very attached to it”.
Birmingham Central Mosque chairman Dr Mohammed Naseem said Saracens were a symbol of “hatred and animosity”.
The Saracen’s Head was built as a manor house in 1492, but was not known by the name until it became an inn in the early 19th century.