Launching the "Declaration on Sport and The Christian Life"

September 15, 2014

Media Contact
Cyndi McMahon
978.867.4236
[email protected]
@Gordon_CMcMahon

Wenham, MA—For the first time in the history of sport, leaders at Christian institutions have a resource for athletic activities and events founded in sport. Released today, the Sport and Christianity Group (SCG) "Declaration on Sport and the Christian Life" provides a unified statement created by Christian leaders in the field.

SCG co-chair Valerie Gin, a professor of recreation, sport and wellness at Gordon College and co-author of the book Focus on Sport in Ministry, helped spearhead the committee of scholars, pastors, athletic directors, coaches and focus group charged with drafting a 12-point declaration that could be implemented on an international level across a multitude of athletic programs. Their charge was wide and deep. After two years of research, meetings, case studies, and thoughtful articulation on why sport—a subject that enriches the lives of millions of spectators and athletes around the world—is important, the declaration is ready to be shared on a global platform and is now open for signatures.

"As the consummate practical theologian, Jesus cared deeply about topics that were on people’s minds, and so should we," said D. Michael Lindsay, president of Gordon College and one of the first endorsing higher education leaders of the Declaration. "For the first time, Christian institutions have a very thoughtful articulation of why sport matters, of its perils and possibilities, and of how Christ-followers ought to think Christianly about sport. This Declaration has been needed for decades."

The Declaration will be a central part of the Inaugural Global Congress on Sports and Christianity that is to take place in the United Kingdom in 2016. It is hoped that the championing of the Declaration, both in the U.S. and internationally, will directly impact those involved in sport at "ground level": athletes, coaches, athletics administrators, athletic directors, parents, and chaplains and ministers working in sport. Its goal is to "encourage dialogue and action," and the SGC has invited individuals to sign the Declaration to indicate their commitment to being a faithful presence in the world of sport.

To read and sign the Declaration, or read more about the drafting process, authors and supporting institutions, visit sportandchristianity.com.

To arrange to speak with Dr. Gin in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Wellness at Gordon College, contact Cyndi McMahon in the Office of College Communications at 978.867.4235.

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Photo: Valerie Gin. In addition to chairing the Department of Recreation, Sport and Wellness at Gordon College, Dr. Gin is co-editor of the Journal of The Christian Society of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies; co-author of the book Focus on Sport in MInistry; and founder of www.wired4sport.com—a website community promoting the value of, integrity in and love of sport.

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