Love them or hate them, the vuvuzela horns are the real anthem of the 2010 World Cup, and are being staunchly defended against critics by South Africans - including a leading church figure.

An International Soccer Peace Tournament organized by Catholics has brought together “South Africans, immigrants, and fans from around the world united in the greatest challenge, peace.”

The 2010 World Cup will absorb acres of newsprint, whole swathes of the internet and hours of broadcast time in the coming weeks. Ekklesia will offer an alternative perspective - looking at the social justice issues behind the sporting headlines.

Football connects people in positive ways, but also exposes the limitations and injustices of human society, says Tinyiko Sam Maluleke, reflecting on modern South Africa, the World Cup, and the challenge of global Christianity.