Scottish Catholic Observer

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster (right) said that the ‘Olympic Truce’ should be enacted for 50 days before and 50 days after next year’s event.

The tradition of the Olympic Truce dates back to Ancient Greece where all violence was stopped around the time of the games to allow athletes and spectators safe passage to and from the arenas.

It is a tradition the leader of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is keen to see brought to London next summer.

“This is what we really want to develop in London over the period of the Olympic Games,” Archbishop Nichols said. “We want to, as it were, understand the importance of peace on our streets in this city, but not just here, around the world as well. But the Olympics are here so London should really strive to find again peaceful streets—a peaceful environment. Athletes are training to compete in the games. We should be training to be people of peace in our city, on our streets, and around the world.”

The Church of England has also been involved in their own preparations for the Olympics, having last week released a special prayer for the 2012 games.

It is hoped that A Prayer for Preparation for the 2012 games will spur on athletes, churches and anyone who is preparing for next summer’s event.