Archbishop André Lacrampe of Besançon has appealed to Christians to cultivate the sporting values of fair play, perseverance and comradeship that are typical of rugby and to practice them on the field of faith and hope. His exhortation comes in the midst of the Rugby World Cup that is now underway in France (7 September – 20 October). The archbishop of Besançon does not disguise his great passion for the oval ball. “The matches arouse excitement, songs of victory, and also disappointment and tears of defeat. They demand physical preparation, and the force of character not to despair in the face of obstacles – writes Msgr. André Lacrampe in a statement issued to mark the championships -; they bring together on the terraces people of all nationalities, languages and cultures and are an occasion for brotherhood, communication and participation in an exciting sporting endeavour that affirms the values of fair play, perseverance, solidarity and sharing”. “Animated by this spirit – continues the archbishop – no one can consider himself superior to others; we are all united in the field of hope and of faith. Each Christian is called to become a good athlete of Christ by bearing courageous and faithful witness to the Gospel. Each sport can become a physical but also a spiritual adventure, a journey we don’t often think about but is as well to remember. And may the best team win!”.
