Like many other countries, Australia is passionate about sport. But how are the Church, faith and sport connected and why should they be?

Whether competing, supporting or encouraging play for health, sport is part of our family and social life. In sport we experience community and teamwork, sacrifice and dedication, the benefits of rules and fair play, the highs of success and the learnings that come with defeat. We learn from coaches, parents and friends as we put in the extra effort to train or to attend games. Sport forms us not only in the skills of play or competition, but in life experiences that form our personal human development.

The Church and sport can learn from each other in many ways. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has published a new document that explains how sport is a gift that can draw people closer to Christ.

(Left to right) Malcolm Hart, Mgr John Woods, Helene O’Neill, Stephen Reid, Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Matthew Biddle, all of whom contributed to the document. Photo credit: Ryan Macalandag – Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

The document, titled Open the Way to Christ: Fostering a Pastoral Ministry of Sport, was launched recently at a summit for diocesan evangelisation leaders, hosted by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry.

“The connection between sport and faith in Australia has been more visible in recent times, with elite athletes seen praying on the field and others speaking openly about their faith,” the document says.