Christian leaders in France and UK speak out against 'mockery of Christianity' at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

 (Photo: X)

Christians have continued to speak out against offensive scenes in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics which included an apparent depiction of The Last Supper featuring drag queens. 

The controversial scene contained a line-up of drag queens who writhed suggestively on either side of DJ Barbara Butch, a lesbian activist.

The French Bishops' Conference issued a statement on Saturday in which they suggested that the "wonderful moments of beauty, joy, rich emotions" during the four-hour ceremony were let down by other elements.  

"However, this ceremony unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply regret," the bishops said.

They added, "We think of all Christians across the continents who were hurt by the excesses and provocation of certain scenes."

In the UK, Christian groups have called for an apology from Games organisers. They include Rev Lynda Rose, Voice for Justice UK, and Helena Croft, of StreetLight UK. 

They called the portrayal of the Last Supper "obscene" and "an open expression of contempt for Christianity".

Rev Rose, CEO of Voice for Justice UK, said, "Christianity has been directly and deliberately targeted. The cultural appropriation of men impersonating women is already grossly offensive and insulting to women, but the deliberate mockery of Christ takes this abuse to new depths.

"The Olympic Games' opening ceremony wasn't a celebration of sport, but of corruption, with 'inclusivity' revealed in all its glory as a new religion."

Croft said, "Would they have dared insult Islam like this? Of course not. The hyper-sexualisation that seems to be a hallmark of trans-activism has no place in sport. The attack on Christianity has no place in sport."

On Saturday, the CEO of the UK Evangelical Alliance, Gavin Calver, called the portrayal of the Last Supper "unbelievably crass" and said "it really was appalling to see Christianity so openly mocked in the opening ceremony". 

He said the scene was "utterly insensitive, unnecessary and offensive".

News
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations

Should church funds be used for slavery reparations? A group of Conservative MPs and peers think not.

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?

Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers.

Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension
Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension

Conservative Christian website, Anglican Mainstream, was surprised to see visitor numbers rise after being forced to relocate its website hosting after GoDaddy closed its account.

Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities
Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities

A former missionary who is now serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army has spoken about the realities of faith for a man tasked with killing in defence of his country.