Rev Christopher Idle, a retired priest in the Diocese of Rochester, has written a hymn for churches to use to celebrate the 2012 Olympics.

Christopher said, “It was Rev Robert Draycott, a member of one of the More Than Gold committee, who asked if I had thought of writing a hymn for the London Olympics? The suggestion soon became a rough draft built around Hebrews 12:1-2 and other New Testament sporting motifs. I settled on a brisk Sullivan tune which I hope is sufficiently well-known to be user friendly, and keeps singers on the move.”

The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, Bishop of Tonbridge said, “The first line, ‘Let us run with perseverance’ heralds a hymn which combines the struggle involved in faith and in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Christopher very skillfully and creatively weaves the themes of the Olympics with an encouragement to Christians to persevere with their faith and the result is a hymn of energy, joy and hope. I warmly commend Christopher Idle’s hymn for the coming weeks and months – and beyond.”

Click here for the hymn or click here to listen to the hymn sung by St George's Choir, Beckenham