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Off with his head!
Aug 3 2004
By James Cartledge, Evening Mail
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."
"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.
Tonight the Saracens Head and the nearby Old Grammar School will compete in the Restoration programme, which will see the winning building given more than £2.5 million for refurbishment.
The show will be screened at 9pm on BBC2 and viewers can vote on 09011 332 222.
The Evening Mail asked Birmingham Muslims what they thought of the name.
Heartlands Hospital doctor Omar Al-Fakayh, aged 28, said: "It's not offensive - it means nothing to me."
Kingston University student Kaleem Khan, aged 19, of Pershore Road, Edgbaston, added: "I don't find it offensive and I don't think anyone of my age would."
Student Tanya Bala-Shaw, aged 17, of Machin Road, Erdington, said she would not find the term upsetting even if she was Muslim.
"The name of the pub is irrelevant."
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