As part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Protestant Federation of France (FPF) has established a chaplaincy dedicated to athletes and their entourage. The Seventh-day Adventist Church will be represented there, contributing to this international spiritual accompaniment.

A Spiritual Support Service for Athletes

The Protestant chaplaincy, located in the heart of the Olympic village, will offer spiritual support to the approximately 15,000 athletes expected, including 4,500 for the Paralympic Games. An interfaith chapel will serve as a reception space where chaplains can listen to and discuss the athletes and their teams.

This spiritual presence responds to various needs: stress management, ethical issues, competitive pressure or, simply, the need for an attentive ear in a high-performance context.

Adventist Contribution to Olympic Chaplaincy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church will be represented within this chaplaincy by two important figures: Pascal Rodet, pastor and head of the pastoral hub at the Franco-Belgian Union of Seventh-day Adventist Federations. Drawing on his experience as a former director of the Adventist Youth department, he will bring his expertise in supporting people. Joël Abati, a former Olympic handball champion, who will bring a unique perspective as a former top athlete.

According to Rodet: “As chaplain of the Paris Games, I am at the service of the athletes and their staff, to welcome them in their spiritual expectations. It is a great responsibility for me, and I am happy about it. It is also an opportunity to experience it in an interfaith way.” This Adventist participation aims to bring a specific sensitivity to the chaplaincy, thus enriching the overall approach to spiritual accompaniment offered.

An Essential Service in a Multicultural Context

Although some delegations come with their own chaplains, this will not be the case for all athletes, especially the French-speaking ones. The Protestant chaplaincy, including the Adventist presence, will, therefore, play a crucial role for these athletes seeking spiritual support.

The chaplains, selected and trained by the FPF, will have to navigate a complex environment, taking into account the geopolitical and cultural dimensions of the Olympic Games. Their training includes elements of the history of the Games and awareness of their social and human impact.

The Adventist Church's Commitment to Olympic Visitors

In addition to its participation in the official chaplaincy, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is actively mobilizing to welcome and support the public of the 2024 Olympic Games. This multifaceted initiative includes the organization of health exhibitions, reflecting the Church's traditional commitment to holistic well-being. Concerts have been planned offering a space for relaxation and spiritual reflection for visitors. 

The distribution of Christian literature aims to respond to the spiritual questions that the event may raise. Several Adventist churches will open their doors, creating havens of peace in the heart of the Olympic excitement. Pastors specially trained in chaplaincy will be present to listen and offer advice. Finally, a strengthened presence on social networks will make it possible to reach a wider audience and respond in real-time to the spiritual needs of visitors. This global approach demonstrates the desire of the Adventist Church to be fully present and accessible during this global event, in line with its mission of spiritual guidance and service to the community.

A Mobilization that is Part of a Broader Dynamic of the Churches

Beyond the Olympic Village, all the Christian churches in the Paris region are preparing to welcome and support the public of the Olympics. A network of parishes and churches is coming together to meet the psychological and spiritual needs of visitors. The participation of the Adventist Church in the chaplaincy of the 2024 Olympic Games is part of a broader approach, which aims to offer spiritual accompaniment adapted to the diversity of athletes and spectators. This initiative underlines the importance given to the spiritual dimension in top-level sports and major international events.

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division website.