EGN NEWS DESK
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has carried out a controversial ban on Christian symbols on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, regardless of the opening ceremony that includes a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
In July, Brazilian surfer João Chianca was compelled by the IOC to take away a picture of Christ the Redeemer from his surfboard.
“The portray is just not authorised within the Olympic Games as a result of Christ is a non secular determine,” the athlete posted on his social media feed, although the publish was eliminated shortly afterwards. “The Games have strict guidelines and concentrate on complete neutrality.”
This resolution has led to accusations of double requirements from members of the Christian neighborhood, who really feel unfairly discriminated towards.
Many have expressed frustration over the perceived mockery of The Last Supper through the opening ceremony, contrasted with the strict enforcement of guidelines towards Christian imagery. For these athletes, such symbols are a supply of inspiration and encouragement of their contests, making the ban appear significantly harsh and inconsistent.
“No sort of political, non secular, or racial demonstration or propaganda is permitted in any Olympic venue,” states Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, which is strictly enforced.
Although Chianca’s publish was swiftly deleted, it provoked a robust backlash from his followers, a lot of whom felt that his religion ought to have been revered.
In the identical week, a decided however silent protest from one other Brazilian Christian athlete garnered important media protection.
Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal expressed her religion in a inventive method. Before successful bronze within the girls’s avenue skateboarding occasion, Leal used signal language to cite a well-known Bible verse. She had turn out to be the youngest Olympic medallist at age 13 through the 2021 Tokyo Games and secured one other bronze this 12 months.
Shortly earlier than her efficiency in France, Leal signed a verse from the Gospel of Saint John: “Jesus is the best way, the reality, and the life.” Her signal language was initially puzzling to viewers till it was translated on social media, resulting in widespread consideration.
“When I used to be very younger, I dreamed of turning into an athlete skateboarder,” Leal instructed reporters after successful bronze. “And right here I’m, with a second Olympic medal from the Games. Once once more, thank God I gained a medal. I’m very completely happy to be right here.”
The majority of Brazilians establish as Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the biggest denomination. Recent surveys recommend roughly 50-60% of Brazilians establish as Catholic. However, there may be additionally a major Protestant inhabitants, together with younger Evangelicals, which has been rising lately.
