Moderator, time to end this

Messi literally has a LARGE tattoo of Jesus on his shoulder. Many of the other Argentine have numerous tattoos of Christian relics. Argentina is over 70% Christian.

The US is over 65% Christian.

Those offended or take issue with a prayer that did nothing to discriminate against anyone need to check themselves and just accept that is the majority religion in many countries of the world. We just had a World Cup in the Middle East for goodness sake where you cannot be homosexual or support LGBTQ in any manner whatsoever ever.

You people complain yet our country rightfully celebrates homosexuality going as far as wearing LGBTQ symbolism on its own uniforms. Homosexuality represents 7% of our great country but it seems many are offended about a prayer that represents the majority.

FYI, the beef with the Christian religion is that it does not accept homosexuality. Unless you have been under a rock or believe what media tells you, Christians are more accepting of homosexuality more so than any time in history. Even the Pope of all people has come out and said that LGBTQ should and will be accepted.

“This has shocked many, as the Pope has often talked publicly of being respectful towards gay people. He recently created consternation among Catholic traditionalists by saying priests should be able to bless same-sex couples in some circumstances and has frequently talked of gay people being welcome in the Church.”

Anonymous wrote:Just because someone said a prayer doesn’t mean the religion would start discriminating. Get a grip

What if the “higher-up” who made the call to include this prayer, starts inviting people in the organization to join hin (I am assuming in this case it is a “him”) to Bible study or worship time, and the ones who do not attend, do not get promotions. Yes, it may just be a prayer, but this never being done, plus all of the money scandals involving Fifa, on their own, and then also the church, just why mix the two?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to guess the non-Christian players don't find it awesome.

People in America don’t realize the rest of the world works very differently.

I’m the PP you’re responding to. I’m Jewish and grew up in South America hearing from classmates that I killed Christ. People in America don’t realize there are religious minorities in all parts of the world that often feel marginalized (so, actually not as different as you think).

It buying. Sorry.

Just because someone said a prayer doesn’t mean the religion would start discriminating. Get a grip

I thought this clearly Christian prayer was out of place at this event. However, if tbe same men would have said a similar message without any reference to their own religion, it would have been ok in my view. Had it been an imam, rabbi, hindu, shaman leader saying a similar “wish” for peace, should have also been ok. Just my point of view. The Copa America, as far as I know, does not have a religious affiliation. If these prayers become the norm, will non-Christians be denied advancement opportunities in Conmebol? Will members have to demonstrate how religious they are now? As a previous poster said, “ keep your religion at church and at home”
Signed, a Catholic and Catholic school graduate.

The First Amendment is a wonderful thing.
Let's try to keep it.

Anonymous wrote:It’s only a problem for some that it was a Christian prayer. If it was another religion the same folks would have zero issue. It would be called cultural enrichment or inclusion. At the very least they wouldn’t even have the spine to comment on it on an anonymous forum.

They also don’t complain when they shove down peoples’ throats all that rainbow and alphabet mafia lobby derangement.

Funny, innit?

It’s only a problem for some that it was a Christian prayer. If it was another religion the same folks would have zero issue. It would be called cultural enrichment or inclusion. At the very least they wouldn’t even have the spine to comment on it on an anonymous forum.

Anonymous wrote:Barbarians believe in gods. Evolve

says the middle aged man who worships 9 year olds playing soccer and bows down to the suburban youth club alter

Barbarians believe in gods. Evolve

Anonymous wrote:It is not a tradition and I found it annoying since religion is personal and should not be imposed to others!
As a person that believes in GOD and respect everyone choice to find their way of living I don’t think that pushing poor Jesus in everything will bring people back to church… just saying… we should be more respectful to other cultures and respect such a DIVERSE sport!!!

I used to think this kind of thing was obnoxious but if you listen to the words it is a message the world really needs. Instead of Jesus just insert god or higher power of choice. But if you are a nihilist, I can’t help you.

Anonymous wrote:It is not a tradition and I found it annoying since religion is personal and should not be imposed to others!
As a person that believes in GOD and respect everyone choice to find their way of living I don’t think that pushing poor Jesus in everything will bring people back to church… just saying… we should be more respectful to other cultures and respect such a DIVERSE sport!!!

Repent now brother.

It is not a tradition and I found it annoying since religion is personal and should not be imposed to others!
As a person that believes in GOD and respect everyone choice to find their way of living I don’t think that pushing poor Jesus in everything will bring people back to church… just saying… we should be more respectful to other cultures and respect such a DIVERSE sport!!!

As a Canadian, I was very surprised to hear a religious speech before an international sporting event not affiliated with any religion. I put it up to US Christian evangelism. I saw it as somewhat insulting to non Christian fans and players alike. I equate it with having a political speech at a sporting event. Not the time or place. But then, I also don't like national anthems played before NHL league games. At least here there are national teams competing. As for saying that "most" athletes are Christians, that doesn't mean they subscribe to the same values and views of one specific group. Just look at the number of LGBTQ players that play on their national teams. Should they have to listen to a sermon by some group that works to deny their rights and sees them as sinners for who they are. Religion should stay in the church or in your home.