Baptist Press
By Timothy Cockes, posted August 9, 2024 in ERLC, International News, Sports
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) is challenging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to evaluate its plans for the upcoming closing ceremony (Sunday, Aug. 11) and remove any content that would disrespect Christianity.
In a letter released July 29, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood asked the IOC to review its plans for the closing ceremony and “remove any overt or inadvertent depictions, language, or actions that would mock the Christian faith or any religious tradition.”
The letter came in the aftermath of the Olympics’ controversial opening ceremony (July 26) which seemingly recreated Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting with drag performers and LGBTQ+ dancers.
The ERLC voiced the uproar many Southern Baptists felt after viewing the ceremony.
“Southern Baptist men and women watching these Games were highly dismayed that, once again, an event meant to inspire unity on a worldwide stage instead became an occasion to deride and marginalize Christians,” Leatherwood wrote in the letter.
“Regrettably, an obscene image made its way into billions of homes around the globe last week where families had gathered to watch the start of the Olympics. Of course, I am speaking of the scene in the opening ceremony depicting Leonardo da Vinci’s rendering of the ‘Last Supper’ featuring LGBTQ activist Barbara Butch and a host of drag performers and dancers. Christians around the world have raised an uproar about the inappropriate spectacle.
“The Olympics are meant to ‘develop harmony’ through instilling ‘a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.’ These opening ceremonies fall far short of the values of the Olympics and have tarnished the reputation of the International Olympic Committee.”
The full requests the ERLC made to the IOC , as stated in the letter, are Here
