Sports Chaplaincy

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TICCN SPORTS CHAPLAINCY: FAITH IN ACTION THROUGH SPORT

Reverend Christopher Hughes brings a unique and powerful combination of global experience, cross-cultural engagement, and pastoral care to his role within The International Christian Church Network (TICCN). Having travelled to over 50 countries as a Martial Arts and Fitness Trainer, he uses sport as a universal language and bridge—enabling meaningful connections across cultures, communities, and beliefs.

A theologian, martial arts expert, and author of Taekwondo and Christianity, Reverend Hughes integrates Christian values with the disciplines of sport, helping athletes and professionals connect faith with personal and athletic development. He has studied theology, law, and politics, and leads the Australia-based Surf Chaplaincy Movement, equipping chaplains for major global events, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Chaplaincy with a Global Vision

TICCN is actively involved in the training and deployment of sports chaplains to some of the world’s most prestigious athletic competitions. These chaplains offer emotional and spiritual support, provide a non-judgmental listening ear, and represent a quiet but powerful presence in high-pressure environments. They are trained to work respectfully within the framework of the sports institutions they serve, bringing a message of hope, peace, and strength.

As one athlete said:

“Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is simply having someone to talk to.”

TICCN’s chaplains have been a source of comfort and clarity during times of personal and professional crisis for many top-level athletes.

Recognition and Global Engagement

In 2022, Reverend Hughes represented TICCN at the Vatican’s International Summit on “Sport for All – Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to Each Person.” The summit focused on promoting inclusion and access to sport, especially for marginalized and underrepresented communities. There, alongside Pope Francis, Reverend Hughes signed a declaration affirming sport as a tool for peacebuilding, social integration, and human dignity.

In 2024, both Archbishop Metropolitan Steven Evans and Bishop-elect Christopher Hughes were invited to join the UNESCO Steering Committee for the 2026 Winter Olympics. In 2025, they again visited the Vatican for the Jubilee Sports Conference, where they met with Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, to discuss future collaborative initiatives.

While at the Vatican, they were also honored to affirm TICCN’s support for the Paris 2024 Declaration on Olympic Education, Olympic Values, and Sport for Development and Peace, alongside Professor Marion Keim, UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace, and Olympic Education.

A Ministry Rooted in Presence and Care

Archbishop Metropolitan Steven Evans, a lifelong sports enthusiast and former amateur golf champion, has long understood the quiet power of chaplaincy. He recalls one of his earliest encounters with a chaplain during the 1996 Royal Variety Performance:

“There was a chaplain backstage, quietly sitting, simply waiting. He didn’t speak unless someone approached, but his presence was reassuring. For some, that unseen ministry may have made all the difference—a silent signpost to God’s love, to hope, and to the possibility of prayer.”

Our Chaplaincy Framework

TICCN chaplains operate with a clear, practical framework:

• Presence – Simply being there offers comfort and reassurance.
• Attitude – We pursue excellence in all things, reflecting the love and character of Christ in how we speak, act, and serve.
• Friendliness – A warm smile and approachable nature can open doors to healing conversations.
• Confidentiality – All conversations are private. Trust is sacred and never compromised.

Our chaplaincy work now extends beyond traditional healthcare settings into sports, entertainment, and community outreach, demonstrating that the ministry of presence and compassion transcends boundaries and changes lives.

Commended by Leaders

The value of chaplaincy has been publicly recognized by sports leaders including Sir Alex Ferguson, CBE, Director and Ambassador of Manchester United, who noted:

“Chaplains can be of help to all sorts of people involved with sport, especially in times of crisis or need. I commend the idea of sports chaplaincy.”

TICCN’s commitment to faith, sport, and service continues to open doors for transformational engagement at the highest levels, while remaining rooted in a mission to serve people—body, soul, and spirit—wherever they are in life.