Actions speak louder than words.
When there are altars, vestments, prayers, oaths etc, this religious symbolism is very powerful.
We bear no ill will toward Catholicism
I believe you. I'm sure the same is true throughout much of the USA. This has not always been the case elsewhere, however.
One should be very careful when referring to past deeds.....the Catholic church has some pretty dark moments in it's history. History is rife with instances of men interpreting gods word to fit their own deeds! There are things in all our pasts that we would prefer had not happened.
All these things can be found at the Olympics, are the Olympic Games a religion?