Archbishop of Birmingham: flame of faith is more important than Olympic flame

Archbishop Longley with Fr Simon Hall

The Archbishop of Birmingham has declared that the flame of faith is more important to Catholics than the Olympic flame. Archbishop Bernard Longley was preaching during Mass at St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Perry Barr in Birmingham, on Sunday morning, 1 July.

The Olympic Torch had left Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre at 6am and travelled along the Stratford Road, one of the most religiously diverse areas of Birmingham, on day 44 of its 70-day journey to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Speaking before he administered the sacraments of Confirmation, Baptism and first Holy Communion, Archbishop Longley said: “For Catholics the flame of faith is the most important flame, it is kindled by the same Holy Spirit who appeared as tongues of fire at Pentecost.

“The Holy Spirit will give you the gifts of wisdom and understanding, right judgement and courage, knowledge and reverence, together with wonder and awe in God’s presence.”

Archbishop Longley said: “When we see the achievements of the Olympic sportsmen and women it reminds us of the wonder of God’s creation and that we have been made, according to the Book of Wisdom, in the image of his own nature.”

Earlier in the morning on its journey south east to Coventry, the Olympic Torch paused briefly outside English Martyrs Catholic Church, Sparkhill, where a flame was lit from it and taken into the close by Sparkhill Park, about three miles from the city centre, where the Birmingham faith leaders held a special “Sunrise in Sparkhill” interfaith event to mark the occasion.

The faith communities represented included Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist alongside Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Urquhart, the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham.

During his homily at St Teresa’s, Perry Barr, Archbishop Longley told the congregation, which packed the church to overflowing, with people standing in the side aisles, that the Birmingham faith leaders had prayed for the success of the Olympic Games and at 8am had made a Faith Pledge together.

The Archbishop of Birmingham said: “We kindled a flame from the Olympic torch and I have brought a candle lit from that flame with me to St Teresa’s, Perry Parr.”

Archbishop Bernard Longley then read the Faith Pledge, which he encouraged members of the congregation to say at home.

The pledge reads: Inspired by the teachings of our faith, and spurred on by the example of the Olympic athletes, may we all seek to be the best we can - increasing our compassion, growing in our generosity, becoming more hospitable, practising greater forgiveness, striving together for the good of our communities, urging one another on in acts of righteousness, so that we may bring hope and joy, friendship and laughter to enrich the lives of every person who lives in Birmingham.

Birmingham City Council is hosting the track and field teams from the United States of America and Jamaica, as they prepare for the 2012 London Olympic Games.