Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

One week after the Catholic Church in the United States gathered in historic numbers to celebrate at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Bishop John Doe expressed his dismay over a portrayal of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Paris. "I was thoroughly appalled to see him mocked as part of the opening ceremonies," said Bishop Doe. He described the depiction as "not in any way artistic" but rather a "direct and blatant assault upon Christianity."

The bishop emphasized that the Last Supper is a significant event representing Jesus giving his Body and Blood in anticipation of his crucifixion, calling it "one of the greatest acts of love in the history of the world." He stated that such an act should never be mocked or treated disrespectfully.

Bishop Doe called for unity among Christians and people of good will to oppose what he views as contempt for religion. He criticized this year's Olympic opening ceremonies for failing to embody values such as unity, respect, and integrity. "The Olympic Games should stand for unity, respect and integrity – the opening ceremonies this year failed on all three counts," he asserted.

He urged people of faith to engage in prayer and fasting as a response to this incident. "In times such as these, we are called to defend our faith and the reason for our hope," Bishop Doe said. He concluded by referencing scripture: “Let us then throw off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).