Today's Discover & explore service at St Stephen Walbrook, explored the theme of sport through the life of Robert Stuart de Courcy Laffan. The service featured the Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields singing Come, my way, my truth, my life by Vaughan Williams, Be thou my vision by Chilcott, Forever by Chris Tomlin and Go forth into the world in peace by Rutter.
The next Discover & explore service is on Monday 6 March at 1.10pm when, together with the Choral Scholars, Sally Muggeridge will explore the theme of charity through the life of Chad Varah.
Today's reflection was adapted from ‘Research Notes: A Noble Ally and Olympic Disciple: The Reverend Robert S. de Courcy Laffan, Coubertin’s ‘Man’ in England’ by Steve Bailey, Director of Sports, Winchester College, and published in OLYMPIKA: The International Journal of Olympic Studies Volume VI – 1997:
'In 1892, at a jubilee of the French Union of Athletic Sports Societies, Baron Pierre de Coubertin introduced the idea of a modern Olympics. His idea was fairly vague, and it seems that even Coubertin himself did not have a clear idea what form such games would take. Two years later, Coubertin organized a meeting which brought together 79 delegates from 12 countries to discuss how to revive the Olympic games. The meeting established the first International Olympic Committee, and the basic framework of having the games every four years, with the first to take place in Greece, was decided upon.'
'At the Le Havre Congress of the International Olympic Committee in 1897 Robert Stuart de Courcy Laffan represented the Headmasters’ Conference - the association of headmasters of the English Public Schools. Laffan was an unlikely “Olympic” emissary; as neither a physical educator nor an exceptional athlete but he … brought … to Le Havre a message of the true commitment for the value of organised physical activity …
When Laffan spoke … the effect of this newly found ally led [Baron Pierre de] Coubertin to be “... convinced that a new collaborator of the most invaluable quality had come down from the heavens to help us.” … the friendship that developed between Coubertin and Laffan was to be “profound and stable … In his presentation Laffan spoke of the broader value of sporting activity. He said that it was through physical exercise that man came to know himself better, and that this in turn would lead to the establishment of the Brotherhood of Man.
The endorsement of both the spiritual and physical benefits of sport were much appreciated by the audience. He presented a different slant on the potential contained within the concept of Olympism: a more overtly philanthropic aim which would have been recognised by the audience as highly palatable to their respective supporters at home.
Robert Laffan was made a Member of the International Olympic Committee in 1897 and, following the first visit of the IOC to London in 1904, he was central to the founding of the British Olympic Association a year later. He acted as Honorary Secretary to the BOA from 1905 until his death in 1927. Robert Laffan dedicated his life to the Olympic Movement, blending his work seamlessly with his strong religious faith … He became Rector of St. Stephen’s, Walbrook in 1899, and was able to balance his service between the needs of his parishioners and the struggle to ensure that the Olympic message was made more widely known.
Laffan was not a figurehead or helmsman … but he was an extraordinary workhorse. It was said of Laffan that he possessed a “silver tongue” - what we might commonly call today “the gift of gab.” The inscription on the 300 year old clock presented to Laffan by his co-workers on the British Olympic Council after the London Games thanked him for the “...kindly, tactful and wholehearted
manner” in which he had carried out every duty. He is said to have served “nobly and disinterestedly.”
'In 1892, at a jubilee of the French Union of Athletic Sports Societies, Baron Pierre de Coubertin introduced the idea of a modern Olympics. His idea was fairly vague, and it seems that even Coubertin himself did not have a clear idea what form such games would take. Two years later, Coubertin organized a meeting which brought together 79 delegates from 12 countries to discuss how to revive the Olympic games. The meeting established the first International Olympic Committee, and the basic framework of having the games every four years, with the first to take place in Greece, was decided upon.'
'At the Le Havre Congress of the International Olympic Committee in 1897 Robert Stuart de Courcy Laffan represented the Headmasters’ Conference - the association of headmasters of the English Public Schools. Laffan was an unlikely “Olympic” emissary; as neither a physical educator nor an exceptional athlete but he … brought … to Le Havre a message of the true commitment for the value of organised physical activity …
When Laffan spoke … the effect of this newly found ally led [Baron Pierre de] Coubertin to be “... convinced that a new collaborator of the most invaluable quality had come down from the heavens to help us.” … the friendship that developed between Coubertin and Laffan was to be “profound and stable … In his presentation Laffan spoke of the broader value of sporting activity. He said that it was through physical exercise that man came to know himself better, and that this in turn would lead to the establishment of the Brotherhood of Man.
The endorsement of both the spiritual and physical benefits of sport were much appreciated by the audience. He presented a different slant on the potential contained within the concept of Olympism: a more overtly philanthropic aim which would have been recognised by the audience as highly palatable to their respective supporters at home.
Robert Laffan was made a Member of the International Olympic Committee in 1897 and, following the first visit of the IOC to London in 1904, he was central to the founding of the British Olympic Association a year later. He acted as Honorary Secretary to the BOA from 1905 until his death in 1927. Robert Laffan dedicated his life to the Olympic Movement, blending his work seamlessly with his strong religious faith … He became Rector of St. Stephen’s, Walbrook in 1899, and was able to balance his service between the needs of his parishioners and the struggle to ensure that the Olympic message was made more widely known.
Laffan was not a figurehead or helmsman … but he was an extraordinary workhorse. It was said of Laffan that he possessed a “silver tongue” - what we might commonly call today “the gift of gab.” The inscription on the 300 year old clock presented to Laffan by his co-workers on the British Olympic Council after the London Games thanked him for the “...kindly, tactful and wholehearted
manner” in which he had carried out every duty. He is said to have served “nobly and disinterestedly.”
To Laffan there was significant spiritual meaning in this timely arrival of new opportunity … Robert Laffan attributed many qualities to the Olympic Movement as the vehicle for the improvement of mankind’s ability to live and work together. Sometimes unrealistic in his claims for what is now such an important world phenomenon, Laffan provided great inspiration for others in the early days by devoting all his enthusiasm and working capacity to help pave the way for the future. In his view the Olympic Movement existed to achieve: . . .the perfect physical development of a new humanity; the spreading all over the world of a spirit of sport - that is the spirit of the truest chivalry; and the drawing together of all the nations of the earth in the bonds of peace and mutual amity.
To Laffan the Olympic Movement was everything: It is to me a privilege in itself to have been allowed to do something for what I consider one of the greatest concerns on earth, the cause which has as its supreme ideal ‘Peace on earth and goodwill towards men’.'
The Declaration on Sport and the Christian Life produced by Sport and Christianity argues that: Sport has its basis in a divinely-given impulse to play and deserves a rightful place in Christian living. People play sport primarily for the love of the game, the thrill of competition, and the sense of community that comes from participation. When played and watched in faithfulness to God sport occupies a legitimate place as part of the created world and helps express our relationship to God and to one another.
Laffan, however, dreamed of a greater purpose for the Olympic Movement. One that was re-articulated by Pope Francis in 2016 when he said: Sports make it possible to build a culture of encounter among everyone for a world of peace. I dream of sports as the practice of human dignity, turned into a vehicle of fraternity. That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between people and contribute to peace in the world.
Intercessions:
Eternal God, giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who prepare for sporting competition. For competitors in training, their loved ones and the many thousands who support them. In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and respect at all sporting events and for the health and safety of all. May we at the last be led towards the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and for ever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God our Creator, we pray for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and for all sporting events around our world. Almighty God, you created humanity in your image and delight in our talent, skill and flair: give us grace to celebrate the achievements of our fellow men and women. Give determination and equity to competitors, gratitude and charm to winners, grace and mercy to those who do not come first, and thankfulness and admiration to observers; that in all our best efforts your creation may be glorified. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our Protector, whose Son travelled as a refugee and walked the streets of Jerusalem as a pilgrim, we pray for all who travel to sporting events around the world: for competitors and coaches, cleaners and caterers; for umpires and judges, city guides and security guards; for audiences and volunteers. Grant them safe travel and journeys filled with enriching encounter. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Blessing
God give you the strength to run with perseverence the race marked out for you, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
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New Order (Feat. John Barnes) - World In Motion.
To Laffan the Olympic Movement was everything: It is to me a privilege in itself to have been allowed to do something for what I consider one of the greatest concerns on earth, the cause which has as its supreme ideal ‘Peace on earth and goodwill towards men’.'
The Declaration on Sport and the Christian Life produced by Sport and Christianity argues that: Sport has its basis in a divinely-given impulse to play and deserves a rightful place in Christian living. People play sport primarily for the love of the game, the thrill of competition, and the sense of community that comes from participation. When played and watched in faithfulness to God sport occupies a legitimate place as part of the created world and helps express our relationship to God and to one another.
Laffan, however, dreamed of a greater purpose for the Olympic Movement. One that was re-articulated by Pope Francis in 2016 when he said: Sports make it possible to build a culture of encounter among everyone for a world of peace. I dream of sports as the practice of human dignity, turned into a vehicle of fraternity. That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between people and contribute to peace in the world.
Intercessions:
Eternal God, giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who prepare for sporting competition. For competitors in training, their loved ones and the many thousands who support them. In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and respect at all sporting events and for the health and safety of all. May we at the last be led towards the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and for ever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God our Creator, we pray for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and for all sporting events around our world. Almighty God, you created humanity in your image and delight in our talent, skill and flair: give us grace to celebrate the achievements of our fellow men and women. Give determination and equity to competitors, gratitude and charm to winners, grace and mercy to those who do not come first, and thankfulness and admiration to observers; that in all our best efforts your creation may be glorified. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our Protector, whose Son travelled as a refugee and walked the streets of Jerusalem as a pilgrim, we pray for all who travel to sporting events around the world: for competitors and coaches, cleaners and caterers; for umpires and judges, city guides and security guards; for audiences and volunteers. Grant them safe travel and journeys filled with enriching encounter. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Blessing
God give you the strength to run with perseverence the race marked out for you, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
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New Order (Feat. John Barnes) - World In Motion.
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