Churches should be encouraged to fly the St George’s Cross during the World Cup, a Church of England bishop has said.

Churches do not need legal consent from the various bodies in a diocese to fly a Union Flag or St George’s Cross - Nickbeer

The Rt Rev Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester – who chairs the CoE’s working group for promoting unity – urged churches to see the flag as a symbol of national togetherness.

Speaking before England’s final group stage game on Saturday, Bishop Snow said: “I think churches should be encouraged to fly the flag. What better time than during the World Cup, when traditionally a lot of people do fly the flag?

“A lot of people fly the St George’s flag as a way of showing support for our team, which, of course, in itself is a symbol of our unity, given just how diverse the England football team is.”

Recently, Oxfordshire county won the country’s first injunction against hanging St George’s and Union flags on streets. It means anyone who puts up flags near roads in the area could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.

The flag is seen by some as having become a far-Right symbol, and Bishop Snow added: “It does need some interpretation because of the way it has been used in society recently.

“It’s a matter for local churches to decide for themselves – but personally, I am very happy to encourage them.”

Bishop Snow has urged churches to see the flag as a symbol of national unity - Roger Harris/House of Lords Bishop Snow has urged churches to see the flag as a symbol of national unity - Roger Harris/House of Lords He was speaking before the CoE’s next General Synod, which will take place in York between July 10 and 14.

Anglican leaders are set to discuss the CoE’s role in British national unity, and in a paper published on Thursday, Bishop Snow argued that the Church should “model a healthy sense of patriotism”.

He wrote: “Parish churches can play a very significant role in hosting community celebrations.

“There is no reason why these celebrations should not focus on pride in our nation – as long as this is done in a way which includes everybody, is honest about our history, and does not seek to be triumphalist.

“As the established Church, we should model a healthy sense of patriotism. While some churches have been reluctant to fly the St George’s flag in the current climate, others have taken the opportunity to explain why the flag can still be a sign of unity.

“Appropriate explanation and interpretation can draw on St George’s background and martyrdom, as well as highlighting the importance of symbols and rituals in uniting people.”

People play with football beneath St George’s flags in Bermondsey, south-east London - Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images People play with football beneath St George’s flags in Bermondsey, south-east London - Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images Bishop Snow also urged the CoE to be “honest” about England’s past “wrongdoing and injustice”, but also to celebrate the nation’s achievements, writing: “This is also a place for telling a truer national story. Our history is complex, and we need an honest conversation about both the good and the evil.

“A healthier story [...] would be honest: not glossing over the wrongdoing and injustice carried out in the nation’s name or within its bounds, but also celebrating our nation’s achievements and progress.”

Churches are encouraged to fly the Union Flag on state occasions and the St George’s Cross on the birthdays of members of the Royal family, according to the Flag Institute.

CoE flag guidance, first set in 1938, said flags flown at churches should show a St George’s Cross with the diocesan arms of the church in its top corner. Churches do not need a faculty – legal consent from various bodies in the diocese – to fly a Union Flag or St George’s flag.

Meanwhile, residents on “England’s most patriotic street” defied a Green-run council after it told them not to put up St George’s flags for the World Cup.

Householders on Torrington Avenue in Bristol have become known for festooning the road with the flag during international football tournaments, but were told this year that flags would be taken down for health and safety reasons.

Nevertheless, the street was draped in St George’s Crosses before England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/music/churches-should-fly-st-george-s-flags-during-world-cup-says-bishop/