(Article republished from YourNews.com)

Olympic athletes have encountered restrictions on displaying Christian symbols during the games, even as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) incorporated religious parodies in its opening ceremony, referencing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

On Wednesday, the IOC required Brazilian surfer João Chianca to remove an image of Christ the Redeemer from his surfboard. Chianca expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “The painting is not authorized in the Olympic Games because Christ is a religious figure.” His post, which was later deleted, highlighted the IOC’s strict rules on neutrality.

Article 50 of the Olympic Charter prohibits “any kind of demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda in any Olympic site, venues, or other areas.” Chianca’s post sparked immediate reactions from his followers, who voiced their disapproval.

In another instance, Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal used sign language to quote a Bible verse, avoiding a direct violation of Article 50, after winning bronze in the ladies’ street skateboarding event. “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life,” she signed before her performance, leading to a viral social media post translating her message.

???? - Rayssa Leal, Brazilian competitor in the skate street competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, qualified for the finals of the skate street category.

She bypassed the persecution of Christians and rules against religious expression during games and sent a message in sign… pic.twitter.com/ePW5DKNJKg

— ??The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 28, 2024

Leal commented to reporters, “When I was very young, I dreamed of becoming an athlete skateboarder. And here I am, with a second Olympic medal from the Games. Once again, thank God I won a medal. I am very happy to be here.”

The IOC’s stance has led to significant debate regarding the balance between maintaining neutrality and respecting athletes’ personal expressions of faith.

Read more at: YourNews.com