In France, there is a stained-glass window in a medieval chapel that depicts Mary holding baby Jesus, who in turn is holding a rugby ball. The chapel is called Notre Dame du Rugby Chapel – Our Lady of Rugby, and it can be found in the rural town of Larrivière-Saint-Savin. In 1956, the local parish Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Sport and Religion’
Faith leaders appalled by treatment of sports club Christian CEO
Monday, October 10th, 2022
Leaders of several churches have been appalled by the treatment of Andrew Thorburn, who was forced to resign as CEO of AFL club Essendon when sermons by the church of which he is chairman became public. The sermons likened abortion to concentration camps and included claims that “practising homosexuality is a sin” – views which Read more
AFL club CEO steps down, saying “My faith is not tolerated”
Thursday, October 6th, 2022
The newly appointed CEO of AFL club Essendon said he was forced to step down from the position because of his role as a church chairman, and believes his “personal Christian faith is not tolerated or permitted in the public square”. Former NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn (pictured) said, “I was being required to compromise beyond Read more
Pope hints at an encyclical letter about sport
Thursday, March 11th, 2021An extensive conversation with Pope Francis has been appropriately called “una ‘enciclica laica,’ ” a “secular encyclical” by his interlocutor, the journalist Pier Bergonzi. In the course of the interview, Francis was asked if he might consider writing an encyclical on sports. His response leaves open an intriguing possibility: “Perhaps this conversation can be defined Read more
Faith before footy says NRL player
Thursday, May 4th, 2017Will Hopoate will ask to be allowed to put his faith before footy and request a no-Sundays clause in his next NRL deal. Hopoate also revealed he was yet to decide if he would play in Canterbury’s Sunday clash with the Sydney Roosters in just over two weeks.
Football player gets a yellow card for thanking God
Tuesday, October 27th, 2015In Mexico Dante Turo, who is a quarterback got a yellow card for pointing up to heaven after he had scored. As he crossed the goal line Turo, a devout Christian, raised his right arm and pointed skyward. He also held the football up with his left hand. “I was just trying to give glory Read more
Faith is the glue in Pasifika Rugby World cup teams
Tuesday, October 6th, 2015
A shared Christian faith played a big part in all of the Pasifika teams competing in the Rugby World Cup. And it was not just a matter of praying for a victory. That strategy was no doubt not ignored; on this occasion seems to have been remarkably unsuccessful. But it was their shared Christian faith Read more
Benedict: sport is integral to personal development
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012
Sport is integral to the development of the person, Pope Benedict said on Friday. Sports teams can help develop participants and spectators in important values, including ‘brotherhood’ generosity, honesty, self-sacrifice and respect for one’s adversaries, the pontiff told players and fans of the European Soccer Championship. Benedict XVI said that if sport is understood in this way, it Read more
All Black Sonny Bill William’s wing and a prayer
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011The rise and rise of Sonny Bill Williams has created the country’s first Muslim superstar.
Senior Islamic figures say people are seeking them out for insights into the All Black’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
Read the article...IRB now targets the Bible in crackdown
Friday, October 7th, 2011
They have been accused of draw rigging, penny pinching and racism during the World Cup and having got mouth-guards under control, the IRB targets the Bible in its latest crackdown – no Biblical quotes on wrist strappings without prior approval. While refusing to comment further on the matter, a member of Australian team management confirmed that the directive, Read more