The Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a controversial ban on Christian symbols on the Paris 2024 Olympics, regardless of the opening ceremony parodying Leonardo da Vinci's The Final Supper.
In July, Brazilian surfer João Chianca was pressured by the Worldwide Olympic Committee to take away a picture of Christ the Redeemer from his surfboard.
“The picture just isn’t allowed on the Olympics as a result of Christ is a non secular determine,” the athlete wrote on his social media, though the submit was eliminated shortly after. “The video games have strict guidelines and intention for absolute neutrality.”
This choice has led to accusations of a double customary from members of the Christian neighborhood who really feel unfairly discriminated towards.
Many expressed frustration on the perceived mockery of the Final Supper throughout 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 competitions, so the ban appears significantly harsh and inconsistent.
“No sort of political, non secular or racial demonstration or propaganda is permitted at any Olympic venue,” states Article 50 of the Olympic Constitution, which is strictly enforced.
Though Chianco's submit was rapidly deleted, it sparked a robust response from his followers, a lot of whom felt that his beliefs must be revered.
In the identical week, one other Brazilian Christian athlete's decided however silent protest obtained appreciable media protection.
Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal expressed her religion in a artistic approach. Earlier than successful bronze in girls's road skateboarding, Leal used signal language to cite a well-known Bible verse. She turned the youngest Olympic medalist on the age of 13 on the 2021 Tokyo Video games and secured one other bronze this 12 months.
Shortly earlier than his efficiency in France, Leal signed a verse from the Gospel of St. John: “Jesus is the best way, the reality and the life.” Her signal language was initially complicated to viewers till it was translated on social media, resulting in widespread consideration.
“After I was very younger, I dreamed of changing into a skateboarder,” Leal advised reporters after successful bronze. “And right here I’m, with my second Olympic medal from the Video games. Thank God once more that I received a medal. I'm very completely happy to be right here.”
Most Brazilians determine as Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the biggest denomination. Latest surveys point out that roughly 50-60% of Brazilians determine as Catholic. Nevertheless, there may be additionally a major Protestant inhabitants, together with younger evangelicals, which has been rising in recent times.
