I was born and raised in Manchester, and there was never really any question where my football loyalties lay. I grew up supporting Manchester City. We firmly believed that “all true Mancunians are City fans!” It taught me early that belonging to or supporting a team gives us joy, hope and a sense of shared identity.
This summer, many of us are enjoying the drama of the World Cup, alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the continuing growth of women’s football. Sport has an extraordinary ability to bring people together. We delight in the gifts of athletes from every nation, celebrate moments of brilliance, and admire courage, perseverance and teamwork wherever they are found. I have especially enjoyed watching the Dutch supporters, a sea of orange dancing together in joyful formation, and the Norwegian fans rowing like Vikings in the stands and anywhere else they can find! Their enthusiasm reminds us that every nation brings something distinctive and wonderful to the great festival of international sport.
It is good to take pride in our country, to cheer for England, Wales or whichever nation we call home. But Christians are always invited to hold that pride within a larger vision. Love of country need never become suspicion of others. Indeed, one of the great joys of international sport is that fierce competition on the field is so often accompanied by friendship, respect and shared humanity beyond it. We can celebrate our own team wholeheartedly while delighting in the colour, culture and traditions that others bring.
The Revd Dr Sam Wells and The Revd Dr Sarah Coakley, in their thoughtful book Praying for England, remind us that to pray for our nation is not to claim superiority over another. It is to ask that we might become a people marked by justice, compassion, generosity and hope. Those are prayers worth offering, whatever the scoreline.
The Book of Revelation gives us a beautiful vision of “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” gathered before the throne of God. Our differences are not erased; they are redeemed. The diversity of humanity becomes part of God’s praise.
As we enjoy the drama of this sporting summer, let us give thanks for the gifts of every nation, pray for those who represent us, and remember that our deepest identity is found not in the colours we wear, but in the Christ who welcomes all people into his kingdom.
May we be people who rejoice generously, compete graciously, and live hopefully, bearing witness to the love of Christ in every community we serve.
With every blessing,
+Sarah
Rt Revd Sarah Bullock
Bishop of Shrewsbury