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Faith, Peace, and the Power of Sport: Jubilee Sport Conference 2025 at the Vatican.

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Faith, Peace, and the Power of Sport: Jubilee Sport Conference 2025 at the Vatican.

I write with heartfelt gratitude following the extraordinary privilege of attending the Jubilee of Sport Conference 2025 at the Vatican. It was a sacred honour to be present for such a meaningful and insightful gathering, and I extend my sincere congratulations to our hosts at the Vatican for a conference marked by profound wisdom, warmth, and gracious hospitality.

His Holiness Pope Leo’s address was deeply moving and spiritually enriching. His words illuminated the divine potential of sport as a powerful instrument for the betterment of individual lives and the healing of communities. Bishop-elect Christopher Hughes and I were especially inspired by his emphasis on sport as a potential means of social transformation, peace-building, and international solidarity. These principles echo the heart of the Gospel and the call to love and serve one another.

We were further encouraged by the opportunity to meet with Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and to explore future initiatives together. It was also a great honour to be invited by Professor Keim, UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace, and Olympic Education, to affirm our support for the Paris 2024 Declaration on Olympic Education, Olympic Values, and Sport for Development and Peace.

Paris 2024 Declaration on Olympic Education, Olympic Values and Sport, Development and Peace (SDP)

The Paris 2024 Declaration on Olympic Education, Olympic Values, and Sport, Development and Peace (SDP) is a global call to action led by the National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of South Africa and France, the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association, and the UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education.

This declaration highlights the power of sport as a transformative force for peace, education, and sustainable development. It emphasizes values rooted in Olympism and the Paralympic spirit, calling for:

  • Stronger global partnerships across governments, civil society, sport organizations, and educational institutions.
  • Broader engagement of youth from early childhood to university level in sport and peace-building initiatives.
  • The promotion of inner peace, inclusion, health, and well-being through sport in urban and community spaces.
  • Greater recognition of sports’ role in conflict mediation, cultural exchange, and as a tool to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Importantly, the Declaration urges continued investment in Olympic education, research, and cross-cultural collaboration, with a clear focus on integrating perspectives from both the Global South and North.

Wigan bishop and councillor receives honorary black belt in taekwondo!

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Wigan bishop and councillor receives honorary black belt in taekwondo!

He’s had a pop career, fronted a TV show, is a high ranking clergyman and served on Wigan Council.

Now Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans, of The International Christian Church Network has gained an honorary black belt in taekwondo.

It turns out that martial arts is another thing the Wigan bishop is a dab hand at: although this honour is to recognise individuals who may not necessarily be practitioners of the sport, but have made a substantial contribution to the advancement and development of taekwondo at a local, regional or national level. As it is, he has practised taekwondo and karate with his family and also seen these sports as a way of bringing people together.

In being given an honorary black belt, Archbishop Steven joins a list of famous recipients including US Presidents Ronald Reagan, Barak Obama and Donald Trump, plus the Bahrainian King Hamas Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Pope Francis!

He said: “I’m honoured to have received this Black Belt and from Torann Maizeroi coach for the Great Britain Taekwondo Olympic Team. In truth, this award should be shared with the faithful members of Living Faith Church in Orrell and the wider church network who I have the privilege to work alongside.

“Life is often difficult and it’s often a fight, this is why those who follow Jesus are known as disciples”

Archbishop Steven has recognised and embraced the national sport of both North and South Korea, which has derived from the oldest martial arts in the world and is used for both seld-defence and sport.

He is credited for using it as a tool for humanitarian missions and bridging different communities across the world with the purpose of promoting both the sport and Christian faith.

Coming from a background of combat sports, Archbishop Steve’s family has a rich history in boxing in Wales, and he has been practising karate and taekwondo for the last few years with his wife and children.

He has made great contributions through TICCN to create new resources for sports ministry/chaplaincy as a gift to the Christian community and the world of sports.

Steven said: “We need to employ discipline for the good fight. I will look at this Black Belt as a reminder to fight for people, for the simple practical day-to-day support that people need.

For a positive attitude and helping people make their way through difficult times. Encouraging people into the discipline of daily study in the bible, worship of God, and prayer. People who employ discipline in this way become winners in the fight of life.”

Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-and-councillor-receives-honorary-black-belt-in-taekwondo-4112937