GLOBAL CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION DEMANDS EXPLANATION FROM IOC FOR LAST SUPPER PARODY

News Desk Religion World

Tue 30 July 2024:

A global Christian organization demanded an explanation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the French Olympic Committee for a parody of the Last Supper at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics last week.

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Jerry Pillay said Monday that the Last Supper is essential to Christian beliefs and practice and any form of a misguided message is unacceptable. “WCC would like you to explain to us in detail the use of this idea and whether it was intended in any way to refer to the Christian faith,” he said in a statement.

The parody has angered Christians who are disgusted and appalled by the mockery of their faith, he said.

“We would like to receive your response as a matter of urgency so that we can respond to our members and others who have been deeply angered by what they have seen in the presentation at the opening ceremony,” added Pillay.

The opening ceremony drew significant backlash for a drag queen parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which many viewed as disrespectful to religious beliefs.​​​​​​​

Olympic chiefs apologise

Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference: “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance.

“We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”

France, while proud of its rich Catholic heritage, also has a long tradition of secularism and anti-clericalism. Blasphemy is not only legal, but also considered by many as an essential pillar of freedom of speech.

Supporters of the tableau praised its message of inclusivity and tolerance.

The Catholic church in France said it deplored a ceremony that “included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity”.

Some French athletes had trouble sleeping because of the fallout from the controversy, said Monsignor Emmanuel Gobilliard, delegate of the Bishops of France for the Games.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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