Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Permanent Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has issued a strong condemnation of the events that transpired during the opening ceremony of the 2024 World Olympic Games held on July 26 in Paris, France. The Synod’s statement criticizes the inclusion of same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ representations, viewing them as a direct affront to Christian values and freedoms.
In a pointed reference to scripture, the statement begins with a quote from Isaiah 3:9, “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! For they have rewarded evil unto themselves.” This biblical passage underscores the Synod’s stance on what it perceives as moral transgressions displayed during the ceremony.
The Synod expressed deep disappointment and outrage at what it considers an act of profanity and an audacious sin against the sacred sacrament. The ceremony, which was meant to celebrate international unity and sportsmanship, instead, according to the Synod, undermined religious values and promoted a lifestyle that they find incompatible with Christian teachings.
“This act of profanity at the opening ceremony of the world’s Olympic sports competition, which is held every four years, is a sin of audacity against the sacred sacrament,” the statement read. The Synod emphasized that such actions are not only a violation of religious freedom but also an attack on the Christian religion and its followers. The Synod sees these events as a promotion of transgenderism and LGBTQ+ rights at the expense of respecting diverse cultural and religious values.
The statement continues, “It has a negative impact on the Olympic sports, which gives a special place to respect the cultural and social values of other people’s faith.” The Synod believes that the ceremony’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements detracts from the Olympic spirit, which ideally should honor and respect all cultures and beliefs.
The Permanent Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church calls upon the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other relevant parties to condemn what it views as an anti-religious act. The Synod urges these bodies to respect the rights and freedoms of Christians worldwide and to ensure that future events do not include elements that could be seen as offensive to any religious group.
The statement concludes with a call for mutual respect and understanding among all faiths, emphasizing the need to uphold religious freedom and human rights. The Church’s Permanent Synod has made it clear that it views the actions during the Olympic ceremony as a destructive force against their religion and spiritual values, warranting strong condemnation.
The Synod’s statement is likely to spark further debate and discussion around the balance between inclusivity and respect for religious beliefs in international events. As the world continues to navigate these complex issues, the call for dialogue and mutual respect remains more pertinent than ever.
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