Adventists Participate as Chaplains in the 2024 Olympic Games

They are playing an important role assisting athletes seeking spiritual support.

August 6, 2024 | Paris, France | Franco-Belgian Union Conference Communication Department, and Adventist Review

As part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Protestant Federation of France (FPF) established a chaplaincy dedicated to athletes and their entourage. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is represented there, regional church leaders reported.

The Protestant chaplaincy, located in the heart of the Olympic Village, has the mission of offering spiritual support to approximately 15,000 athletes, including 4,500 for the Paralympic Games. An interfaith chapel is serving as a reception space where chaplains can listen and talk to the athletes and their teams.

At the 2024 Olympic Games, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is represented at the Olympic Village by Pascal Rodet, pastor and ministerial secretary, who is assisting athletes seeking spiritual support. [Photos: Pascal Rodet]

Adventist Contribution to Olympic Chaplaincy

The Adventist Church is being represented within this chaplaincy by two important figures: Pascal Rodet, pastor and ministerial secretary at the Franco-Belgian Union Conference. Drawing on his experience as a former director of the Adventist Youth department, he brings his expertise in supporting people. Joël Abati, a former Olympic handball champion, brings a unique perspective as a former top athlete.

“As chaplain of the Paris Games, I am at the service of the athletes and their staff, to welcome them in their spiritual expectations,” Rodet said. “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, leaders said.

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, therefore plays a crucial role for these athletes seeking spiritual support, leaders said.

The chaplains, selected and trained by the FPF, 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.

Commitment to Olympic Visitors

In addition to participation in the official chaplaincy, the Seventh-day Adventist Church mobilized to welcome and support the public at the 2024 Olympic Games. This multifaceted initiative included the organization of health exhibitions and concerts.

The distribution of Christian literature aims to respond to the spiritual questions that the event may raise. Several Adventist churches have opened their doors, creating havens of peace in the heart of the Olympic excitement. Pastors specially trained in chaplaincy are present to listen and offer advice. Finally, a strengthened presence on social networks is making 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,” church leaders said.

Beyond the Olympic Village, all the Christian churches in the Paris region are preparing to welcome and support the public at 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, church leaders explained. “This initiative underlines the importance given to the spiritual dimension in top-level sport and major international events,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Franco-Belgian Union Conference news site.