Churches in Austria and Switzerland are banding together to launch an evangelisation programme to target soccer enthusiasts. The two nations are joint hosting the Euro2008 football championship.
In a pastoral letter to Catholics in Austria, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Austria, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, said it was a time for churches to reveal Christ to the people.
"These soccer events will offer young people from various countries a chance to meet," Cardinal Schoenborn told Ecumenical News International (ENI).
"Christians intend to enjoy them as much as other sports fans. By getting involved in Euro 2008, the churches will seek to reveal Christ to people."
The chairperson of Austria's Ecumenical Council of Churches, Lutheran Bishop, Herwig Sturm, said this would be the first time Christian churches would cooperate on such a broad scale and hoped a joyful and peaceful climate could prevail over each match.
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the final soccer match to be held in June 2008.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Most Popular
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.