The prayer reportedly asked for a harmonious and joyful World Cup while mentioning missed penalties, confusing VAR decisions and moments of individual brilliance. Its wider message was one of compassion for football’s mistakes and respect for both winners and losers.
But Maradona’s goal is not simply a colourful piece of football history in England. It is remembered as an act of deception as much as genius, making the phrase “the hand of God” particularly awkward in a religious context.
The account says Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and chair of the liturgical commission, defended the preparation process. He said prayers are written by theologically trained staff, reviewed internally and approved before publication.
Ipgrave also acknowledged “alguns comentários críticos” and argued that social-media prayers can use a lighter, more accessible style than formal worship. His broader defence was captured in the phrase, “Nem todo conteúdo vai ressoar igualmente com todos os públicos” - not every piece of content will resonate with every audience.
That is a reasonable explanation, but it does not erase the question of judgement. Informal language can make religious outreach feel more open; it can also make a serious institution appear to be chasing relevance.
The next chapter will come when the General Synod examines how the prayer was produced and approved. The bigger issue is not whether the Church can speak about football, but whether it can do so without mistaking familiarity with the game for understanding its deepest rivalries.