Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) - "The goal of this site is not only to provide information to fans, but especially not to miss the opportunity to speak of the Church in South Africa and the extraordinary work she does here for the poorest," Fides was told by Antoine Soubrier, a French journalist in charge of the site www.churchontheball.com, sponsored by the Office for Social Communications of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC).
The site is a contribution of the Catholic Church during the World Cup to be held this year in South Africa. "The site has been active since mid-March and we received 2,600 visits in the first two weeks from around the world (90 countries). This is evidence that this site meets a real need of the people," says Soubrier.
There are new sections of the site being planned, in particular, Soubrier says, "a virtual chapel, which will be actived in a few weeks, to allow visitors to light a virtual candle with the flag of their favorite team. Besides the fun, it is an opportunity to allow fans and those whoever else wants to, to participate effectively in the life of the Church which welcomes them."
One of the most important aims of the site is to raise awareness among soccer fans and the faithful on the tragedy of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. The Church of South Africa has warned on several occasions that local criminal organizations in South Africa and abroad are sending thousands of prostitutes, including minors, to the World Cup (see Fides 3/11/2009 and 16/11/2009).
“While it is an honor for South Africa to have been chosen to host the FIFA World Cup and we join in the great excitement building up towards the final count down, we know, too, that any such great event can have its downside,” Fides has been told by Sr. Melanie O'Condor, Director of the Office Against Trafficking in Human Persons, promoted by the SACBC and South African religious congregations. “Since South Africa is recognized as already being an internationally “hot spot” for human trafficking – it being a country of origin, transition and destination for trafficking – there is the fear that trafficking of women and children will increase significantly during the World Cup. Children are especially at risk of being trafficked within or out of South Africa while others may be trafficked into or via the country. There is also a suspicion that some girls in our schools who will turn 18 before June 11 are being secretly groomed for the World Cup.”
“The desecration of a human being is an insult to our Creator God who made us all in God’s own image and likeness. We got rid of Apartheid – lets get rid of Human Trafficking,” concluded Sr. Melanie. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2010)
