Brazil’s Primate, Archbishop Francisco de Assis da Silva, welcomed attendees of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but expressed concern over the mismanagement by the Games’ organizers. The Archbishop commented that the Olympic Games “bring together the peoples of the world through healthy competition in several individual and team sports” and provides the opportunity to “encounter, learn, and share the world’s diversity.” He went on, though, to criticize the construction of the Olympic Village and the tight security that added to the “additional social concern” stemming from substantial political tension and unrest in Brazil.
“We know that these are not the best of days for Brazil. The political crisis caused by the coup maneuverings against the President of the Republic has divided the country and demonstrations have been frequent.”
“I ask the Brazilian Anglicans and Anglicans around the world to pray for peace to prevail; and for respect and sportsmanship in this special party of sports,” he said, asking that his countrymen “respect for the athletes, visitors and all the people involved with the Olympics.”
Archbishop da Silva said people should live “the festival of sport” while still being allowed to “carry out political criticism” of the Games’ management who have “made the games a means of exploitation, exclusion and wealth accumulation at the expense of the rights of ordinary people of the city of Rio de Janeiro”.
Original story found at Anglican News Service