It is then an easy step to thinking that because I/my church are not ‘sporty’ then there is not a role for us and a relevant way for us to engage with the London 2012 Games.
However there is a whole raft of social justice issues that More Than Gold is encouraging churches and individuals to engage with. (Hover over title for direct link to the MTG social justice site.
The issues that MTG focus on are:
1) Peace When students in secondary education in London were asked what lasting legacy they would like to see arising out of the Games they said ‘peace’ Historically the original Games were marked by an Olympic Truce, 50 days before the Games and then 50 days afterwards so that people could travel in safety. The idea of a Peace legacy extends well beyond the Metropolis and there is a whole range of resources to help you in your area work for peace and link up with other networks of peace initiatives across the globe.
2) Homelessness Concern has been expressed that London will be ‘swept clean’ of rough sleepers leading up to and during the Games. However homelessness is an ongoing issue that affects larger communities and often smaller ones where it is often hidden, ‘sofa surfers’ for example. There is an opportunity to monitor the response to the idea of London being ‘swept clean’ – if there is incontrovertible evidence that this is happening then this could be challenged, if not and if it is mainly anecdotal then we can seek to speak for truth. It may also be that people will be cleared out by unscrupulous landlords wanting to gain a quick financial return when rented property will be in demand with an increase in visitor numbers. Again the MTG social justice programme offers a good number of links and agencies seeking to address the issue of rough sleepers and homelessness.
3) Fair Trade Imagine the 500 meters when half the competitors had to wear one large and very heavy boot. That you would rightly say is manifestly unfair – which is exactly the driving force behind Fair Trade. Getting behind Fair Trade during the Games could be anything from as simple as ensuring your coffee/tea it fairly traded to getting deeply involved in the issues whilst the world gathers to engage in sport on a ‘level playing field.’ If your Local Authority has an event planned you could campaign and ensure they use Fair Traded goods.
4) Environment The Games have been pursuing a ‘green’ agenda and the main site has been radically transformed from a former industrial wasteland with poisoned soil and polluted river. MTG are encouraging churches to run their own ‘greening’ maybe set themselves a target of achieving Eco-congregation awards.
5) Anti-Human Trafficking/Prostitution It is a sad fact that whenever large crowds of people gather for an event like the Games the sex trade increases in its activities. There is evidence to show that this can include men, woman and children being exploited and trafficked and then enslaved in the sex trade or as a source of cheap labour. Away from London individuals and churches can raise the issues, campaign, pray and raise funds to help the numerous agencies engaged in helping those caught up in this modern form of slavery.
