CathNews New Zealand

Religious symbols have been banned from a “faith” badge designed for chaplains at the London Games in case they cause offence.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) asked its advisory committee of faith representatives to suggest ideas for the lapel pin, which is intended to be the lasting symbol of the role of religious leaders for London 2012.

But plans for a design featuring symbols of each of the nine faiths represented on the committee were rejected — because not all religious believers would feel “comfortable” wearing symbols of other faiths.

The final badge — presented to the Archbishop of Canterbury and eight other faith leaders when they toured the Olympic park — simply features the word “faith” and a globe, alongside the Olympics and Paralympics logos.

Although there was support for a badge bearing the nine symbols — including the cross and Islamic crescent — the organisers say it would have “limited” the “appeal” to religious athletes and spectators.  Full Story