Religion at the Olympics
While it was initially reported by Western media that China had banned Bibles from the Olympic venues, this story was quickly proven to be completely unfounded. Rather, in continuity with previous provision, the Beijing Olympic village contained a temporary Religious Services Centre, including a Catholic church, for prayer and religious ceremonies.
The authorities have welcomed religious visitors and athletes, but asked that they respect the patriotic nature of China’s religious institutions and do not engage in proselytism. Visitors and athletes were at liberty to bring in scriptural and devotional material for their own use. Chinese clergy from various faiths took language training so that they could provide services for guest from all over the world, though for the first time foreign clergy were not invited to host religious ceremonies in the Olympic village.
Beijing’s churches prepared for some time to welcome visiting Christians from around the world. Liu Bainian, president of the Catholic Patriotic Association, organised masses in the capital to pray for a successful Games. The China Christian Council also has a website at which Chinese Christians have posted prayers asking for God’s blessing during the Olympic summer.
Fr Neng Ningyou of Taiyuan took part in the Olympic torch relay on the 26 June, saying that he was representing believers from all five official religions in China. The Catholic Co-adjutor Bishop of Hong Kong, Mgr John Tong Hon, attended the Olympic Opening ceremony as a witness, and conveyed Pope Benedict XVI’s wishes toward China for a successful Olympic Games.
