Update: Over 13,000 signatures and 5,000 personal messages of support sent to Marc Guehi
Thank you to the over 13,000 of you who signed the petition in support of Marc Guehi and to the more than 5,000 who sent him personal messages. We have passed them on and expressed our gratitude, thanking him for boldly standing for the Gospel and for inspiring young sportsmen and women to be Not Ashamed.
--------
Original petition (4 December 2024):
The beautiful game became a battleground for something greater than football last week—bold faith and unshakable conviction.
Last week, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was placed under immense pressure to wear an LGBT+ armband to commemorate the Premier League and Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
For many football players, this is a simple act of compliance, a box to tick – an ideological litmus test coercing public endorsement of Stonewall’s activism, which includes telling children as young as four they can be born in the wrong body.
However, rather than conform silently, Guehi made a courageous stand by writing three words on his armband that define his faith and his life: “I Love Jesus.”
The backlash came swiftly. The Football Association (FA) reprimanded Guehi, “reminding” him of his “responsibilities”. They claimed that such expressions of faith violated their rules and warned the defender not to repeat the act.
Despite the stern warning from the FA, Guehi’s courage didn’t waver.He took an even bolder step in his next match against Ipswich Town. On his armband, he wrote a new message: “Jesus loves you :)”.
His words were neither divisive nor offensive. They proclaimed a beautiful truth in a world determined to suppress it.
The FA has now backed down and confirmed it will not punish Guehi, whose actions have done more than spark headlines.
By standing firm, he has shown Christians everywhere, especially young believers and athletes, that it is possible to live out your faith boldly and unapologetically, even in the face of intense scrutiny. His stand is a rallying cry for others to embrace their faith without fear, to live courageously, and to be Not Ashamed.
Add your signature and send a message of support to Guehi. Your words will not only encourage him but also inspire countless others to live boldly and be Not Ashamed of their faith.
Guehi’s father, a church minister, has passionately defended his son’s courageous stand, emphasising the integrity and hope behind his actions.
He told the Mail: “Marc’s message was not offensive. It reflected his faith and the universal truth that Jesus loves everyone. He wore the armband to show respect, but as a Christian, he also wanted to share a message of hope. Punishing him for this is an attack on freedom of belief.”
His father’s words cut through the noise with clarity and conviction.
In a world that increasingly pressures Christians to remain silent, Guehi boldly chose to express his faith. His actions serve as a great reminder that our faith is not something to be hidden but to be lived openly and courageously, even when the world may not understand.
Write a message of encouragement to Guehi. Your words will remind him that his faith is an inspiration, and his stand is helping others to be Not Ashamed.
Guehi’s courage is a powerful example to young Christians everywhere. By standing firm in his faith, he has shown that it is possible to live out your beliefs boldly, even in the face of intense scrutiny and opposition. His actions are a reminder that faith is not something to hide but something to celebrate—a light to shine in the world.
Guehi’s stand reflects the words of Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
His example will undoubtedly inspire young Christians and athletes to be courageous in their own faith journeys, encouraging them to live out their convictions without fear. Marc has shown that true leadership lies in integrity, not conformity, and his boldness is already making an impact.
Sign our petition in support of Guehi. Your signature will encourage other Christians to be Not Ashamed of their faith.
------
More information:
------
This petition is written with the support of Christian Concern (CGPE241204).
If you choose the option 'Keep me informed about this and other campaigns from Christian Concern' we will email you about this and other news updates. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.
You can find our privacy policy on our main website, christianconcern.com/privacy
13,503 have signed.
Let's get to 20,000
Recent signers
Lisa D. UNITED KINGDOM
M O. UNITED KINGDOM
Dear Marc Guehi,
We want to express our heartfelt admiration for your courage in boldly sharing your faith through your actions on and off the field. You are faithfully living out Romans 1:16—"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes"—and through this, you inspire and encourage others to boldly stand firm in their faith.
Your decision to stand for your beliefs amidst intense pressure and hostility reflects a strength and integrity that encourages countless others to do the same. By choosing to live out your faith so publicly, you are inspiring others to remain steadfast and unashamed of their beliefs.
Please know that many of us stand with you in prayer and solidarity, deeply moved by your witness for Christ in a challenging environment.
May God continue to strengthen and guide you as you walk this path, and may your light shine brightly to bring hope and love to others.
With prayers and blessings,