St. George-Victory Bringer

How could muslims be offended by this?
Oh wait it's a cross, silly me.






St George

The image of Saint George, renowned for his defense of all in need, is among the most well-recognized of Christian martyrdom figures. Primarily famous for being the Patron Saint of England (replacing the former patron, Edward the Confessor), George is also known as "Victory Bringer" and "The Quick to Hear."



The History
“The sign of the Cross is probably the most often used prayer of Christians and for many Anglicans the first prayer we learned as children - “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”. Despite its simplicity, the sign of the Cross is an ancient prayer rich in meaning. References to it appear in writings dating back to AD 240, and it is believed that it was in use during the earliest days of Christianity.


UK: St. George "offensive to Arabs and Muslims"

St. George the Great Martyr (martyr, that is, in the Christian sense: St. George didn't murder anyone to win his martyr's crown).


Over the centuries, George and his red cross have become associated with many causes - some admirable, others not.

In legend, he was the figurehead of King Arthur's knights.

Edward III chose him as patron when he founded the Knights of the Garter in 1348.

Red Ensign

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle was built as the order's spiritual home.
The red cross has been used on the flags of The Royal Navy and the Church of England - and on the official seal of Lyme Regis.

Richard II ordered every man in his army to wear the cross when he invaded Scotland.

Now the Scots have to fly their invaders' mark on the Union Flag.

Crucially, it was also the emblem of the Crusades against the Islam.

Richard the Lionheart wore it, and legend tells how St George appeared to his knights during the siege of Antioch, inspiring them to victory.

Centuries have passed since, but the Crusades are still a cause of resentment among some muslims.

Holy war

Chris Doyle, of the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British

Understanding, says the red cross is an insensitive reminder of the Crusades.
He said: "It is offensive to Arabs and muslims, including many from non-Arab countries.

"They see the Crusades as Christendom launching a brutal holy war against Islam.

"Because of what has happened in the 20th Century, when most of the Arab world was colonised, the memory of the Crusades has resurfaced."

On the other hand, the saint - if not his sign - is revered in Palestine for his courageous martyrdom.