CHURCHES across the country are being urged by a senior Anglican bishop to fly the flag and ring out their bells for St George’s Day.
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, called for Church of England clergy to hold dedicated services to celebrate the “glorious heritage” of St George today, with prayers for the nation and the armed forces. He said: “George became important for England because of his courage in refusing to deny his faith and in his acceptance of martyrdom.
“He came to personify the importance of conscience at precisely the time that people in England were beginning to emphasise the value of liberty.
“He exemplifies chivalry in the sense of being ever-ready to defend the weak and to struggle for justice. It is for these reasons that he was declared Protector of England.
“In celebrating St George’s Day, we should reaffirm these values and virtues in our national life. George is a Christian saint and these are characteristically Christian values and virtues.”
