Got this via email this morning.
The Olympic Games got off to a solemn start this past Saturday when a family member of the U.S. men’s volleyball team was fatally stabbed while touring Beijing. Compounding the tragedy, the U.S. team had to scramble to obtain official Chinese permission to bring an English fluent chaplain to the Olympic village to help athletes with their grief. In Athens in 2004, more than 100 religious leaders speaking several dozen languages were stationed in the Olympic Village. But China’s authoritarian government sees any cause that could compete with its authority, including organized religion, as a threat, and has banned foreign chaplains from living with the athletes. This episode should weigh heavily on the minds of all Americans as Barack Obama and John McCain both visit Pator Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church this Saturday.
I am thinking the author of the above comment would hope the Presidential candidates condemn Chinese callous treatment of these athletes. I would be surprised if this specific topic comes up and if it does it will probably have to be brought up by Pastor Warren.
I posted this blurb not because of the political element but because of the athletes and the attack survivors. Man, they have to be in a lot of pain. I believe in the “priesthood of all believers” but I also know the comfort an ordained Chaplain can bring. In other words, I know the Christian athletes can support each other but it should be a given that a respected leader be allowed among them.
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