31/07/2024
AFM Family,
// Response to the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
The upside-down raising of the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony seemed like a sign of what was to come during the rest of the event in Paris. Large parts of the ceremony were filled with content that most Christians found inappropriate and disrespectful, even blasphemous.
One part of the show reminded many viewers of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting "The Last Supper," which portrays Jesus Christ at his final meal with his disciples, before being crucified. This meal is a significant event for Christians as it represents the sacrament of Communion, symbolizing unity with Christ and receiving grace and forgiveness through his sacrifice on the cross. The ceremony's director said there was no disrespect intended. He described the scene as a celebration of diversity and French gastronomy, with "the table" being a tribute to feasting. He emphasised that his goal was to spread a message of love and inclusion, not to be provocative or divisive.
However, the Paris Olympics organisers later apologised for any offense caused by the ceremony. After receiving backlash from Christians, journalists, athletes, and officials worldwide, they said that the scene was meant to represent a Greek Bacchanal, (which is an uncontrollably promiscuous and extravagantly wild party celebrating the god of wine and pleasure), not the Last Supper.
Christians saw the central figure at the table, wearing a silver headdress resembling a halo, as an obvious parody of a sacred Christian story. A halo, symbolizing holiness, is not part of a Greek Bacchanal. Additionally, the inclusion of sc****ly dressed individuals in drag added to the mockery and blatant sexualising of the Olympics.
For Christians, the Last Supper is a deeply meaningful event, not just a piece of art. Any disrespectful portrayal of it is seen as an outright and insensitive insult to our faith.
The AFM of South Africa record our disappointment that the Olympic Games, meant to unite the world through sportsmanship and respect, became a platform for offensive and disrespectful behaviour. Inclusivity and creative expression should never come at the expense of the deeply held beliefs and values of others, especially on a global stage like the Olympics.
Christianity often seems to be an easy target for disrespect and mockery. If another faith had been treated similarly, there might have been a more militant response. While Christians are taught by Jesus Christ to love and forgive, this does not mean we should stay silent when what we hold dear, and holy is treated with disrespect as was clearly the case with the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony in Paris.
Yours in Christ!
Dr Henri Weideman
(President of the AFM of SA)
**On behalf of the National Office Bearers
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