Media and Communications
OfficeCoptic Orthodox ChurchUnited Kingdom
STATEMENTHis Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE,
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom
on the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2024
28 July 2024
Like many, I was looking forward
to the opening ceremony of this year’s Olympic Games hosted by Paris, expecting
a unifying moment that could bring us together in a way that transcends the conflict,
polarisation, geopolitical posturing and war that has gripped the world. I was
saddened however by what appeared, and is now globally perceived to be, a parody
and blatant derision of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony. I have
taken time to reflect and have allowed time for the International Olympic
Committee or the National Olympic Committee to provide clarification. It has
been forty-eight hours since the ceremony and there has been no adequate
response.
If it was not the intention of
the organisers to depict the Last Supper, and it was indeed meant to represent the
Feast of Dionysius as is being alluded to by some, then why has there not been
an official clarification of what was intended, and why is there no apparent
concern on behalf of the organisers in light of the global response and offence
felt and expressed by so many around the world? The only responses to date have
been to refer to France’s rights regarding freedom to worship and to not worship,
which does not address the offence caused by the misrepresentation of a
beautiful moment in history and one that is core to the Christian Faith.
Inclusivity, diversity, and freedom
of belief and the right not to believe are not protected or advanced by such
disrespect to millions globally.
At a time when we are working
globally to protect the freedom of religion or belief for all, we must ensure
that it is safeguarded for everyone around the world, equally. If this
performance had mocked the beliefs of any other religious community, or any
other community for that matter, it would be a cause for equal concern and offence.
It has been reported that the opening ceremony video has been removed from official Olympic channels and that some funders and advertisers are responding by withdrawing their support. If the offence caused was unintentional, then clarification would be a remedy, but if this was indeed, even in part or by inference, a depiction of the Last Supper, then that is entirely unacceptable.
Many Christians, as well as those
of other faiths and none, around the world have been offended by this
performance, and this must be a consideration for members of the International
Olympic Committee, for whom the impact of hurtful and offensive terminology
around a number of issues has been a focus, and yet they remain silent on this
matter. The Olympic Games represent a space that has historically been
inclusive and welcoming, and the perception of the global community has always
been, and should always remain, important in this space that is meant to be
safeguarded as respectful of the diverse nature of all humanity.
I, like many, will sadly be
looking at this year’s Olympic Games very differently. I will be wholeheartedly
supporting Team GB and Team Egypt, and will be in admiration of every athlete
who has been training for years to reach this milestone. I will think back to
the days of London 2012 when there was so much solidarity and such joy, and
think how very differently if feels today, and how far we are from that.
Pursuant to the International
Olympic Committee’s own guidelines which stress respect, consistency and sensitivity
“irrespective of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation”, I call upon the
International Olympic Committee and National Olympic Committee to directly
address the global offence that this performance has caused, as I pray for a
spirit of accountability and wisdom.
*Ends*
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