More than Gold – Olympic Ecumenism

What’s in a name? In the name of the Christian charity, “More than Gold” one could probably say a lot. The interdenominational agency was set up in the U.K. ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London to meet some of the social challenges likely to arise and to assist the hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving in the country.

Not only have they rallied volunteers to offer their homes to visitors and athletes’ families, they’re preparing pastors and organizing sports mission in schools and camps, festivals and creative arts events. They’re also raising awareness about issues of social concern, such as homelessness, human trafficking and prostitution, fair-trade and the environment.

But in bringing together sixteen different Christian churches, the venture has become a unique ecumenical effort which itself is bearing fruit. James Parker is Chairman of the More than Gold Executive Committee and the Catholic Executive Coordinator of the 2012 Games. He tells Tracey McClure that for the first time, the Orthodox are joining the table. And, he says, the very fact that the Executive Committee is Chaired by a Catholic is another “first.”

Listen to the interview with James Parker…