July 29, 2024

STATEMENT OF COMMISSION OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS ON OLYMPIC OPENING CEREMONY

This weekend’s shocking mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony was an affront to people of all faiths, and a betrayal of the values and ideals that the Olympic games are meant to uphold.

Commenting on the upcoming Olympics last week, Pope Francis reminded us that “Sport also has a great social power, capable of peacefully uniting people from different cultures.”  Sadly, the opening ceremony organizers instead chose to present a scene that could only drive people apart rather than bring them together.  As the French Bishops Conference noted, the ceremony included “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply deplore.”

As leaders of CORL, the Commission of Religious Leaders, here in New York, we know the importance of mutual respect and cooperation. When one faith group is attacked, all faith groups are attacked.  We are proud to stand together to not only condemn what took place in Paris, but to serve as a reminder that people of different religious beliefs can and do stand united as models of peace, friendship, and understanding.  Please God, let the remainder of these Olympic Games be an occasion of fine competition and good sportsmanship, and the beginning of a new era of peace and understanding among people of all nationalities, ethnicities, and religions.