Church seeks ambassador for sport

Christians in Britain sometimes complain that the established Church of England can be frosty to those who never go to services unless attending baptisms, weddings and funerals. But one bishop aims to rectify that situation, when it comes to sporting activities. "A church building for most people is like going to Mars," says the Rt. Rev. Tony Porter, the 54-year old bishop of Sherwood, a key mover behind the church's plan to appoint its first ever ambassador for sport in 2007. "We have to go where people are," he told Ecumenical News International.

Before arriving in Nottingham -- the city made famous by the novelist D.H. Lawrence and legendary outlaw Robin Hood -- Porter worked in Manchester where he was chaplain to the Premier League soccer team, Manchester City.

Known also for his public broadcasting, Porter long played a leading role in an organization called Christians in Sport. Among other things, he said, it helps players learn to be Christians on, as well as off, the field.

"I've met many of the leading lights in British football and so many of them want to learn more about God and Christ but don't know how to go about it," he said. "We Christians must be more welcoming, more active on the ground." Read more