This is disrespectful — Bishops slam Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony for “mockery of Christianity”
French bishops expressed their dissatisfaction on Saturday with what they described as “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity” during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, a critique that has sparked controversy among conservatives and received mixed reviews.
The French Bishops’ Conference acknowledged that while the ceremony had been filled with “wonderful moments of beauty, joy, rich emotions, and was universally praised,” it was marred by scenes they found regrettable.
Although they did not specify the scenes, the ceremony included a segment called “Festivity,” which featured a table setting reminiscent of the Last Supper, complete with drag queens and music by lesbian activist DJ Barbara Butch.
The bishops expressed their concern for Christians globally who might have been offended by what they saw as provocations. They hoped that people would understand that the Olympic celebration represents more than the views of a few artists.
The statement was supported by “Holy Games,” a sports program funded by the Catholic Church.
Conservative and far-right politicians in France also voiced their displeasure, criticising the ceremony as a “woke” display with LGBT+ performers and a diverse cast.
Far-right politician Marion Marechal condemned the event on social media, arguing that it did not reflect France but rather a “leftist minority” intent on provocation. Julien Odoul from the National Rally party called it “a ransacking of French culture.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticised the ceremony as a symbol of the “weakness and disintegration of the Western world,” noting that Western values, once considered universal, are increasingly rejected by many countries.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, who is openly gay, stated that his goal was not to shock but to celebrate “diversity” and “otherness.” He emphasised that the ceremony aimed to embody “Republican values of benevolence and inclusion,” and reemphasised the freedoms that France upholds, including the right to love whom one chooses and to hold or reject religious beliefs.
