Items of Interest December 17, 2012 Issue

Acceptance for religious athletes

Jeanie Groh

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

More than 1,000 American adults were polled about public displays of religion among professional athletes. Participants were asked about specific religious actions commonly displayed by religious athletes, including prayer after games, speaking about faith in interviews, and making religious signs, such as crossing oneself or pointing heavenward, on the field.

“As a Christian, it’s very encouraging because I believe we recognize the influence that Christian athletes can have,” especially in such a sports-minded country, said Josh Canales, the Los Angeles County director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In college, Canales played baseball at University of Florida and University of California, Los Angeles, then went on to play three seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Religious freedom restrictions increasing worldwide