QANTAS CEASAR

Good on ya Issy.

Israel Folau shows the courage that has made him a legend on the rugby field, it is also a powerful indicator of why Australian rugby has fallen to its knees in recent years. Who would have thought that in Australia you can be persecuted for holding a Christian worldview. We need to fight back now while we still have a voice:

"Not long ago, these ideas would not have been so foreign in a nation with a strong Christian heritage such as ours.

Yet Folau is being relentlessly pursued as a dissident.

First his comments were denounced in the media and criticised by Rugby Australia.

Second, Qantas amped up the pressure by grumbling about their sponsorship of the Wallabies.

Third, he was hauled before Rugby Australia bosses to explain himself under the threat of sanction.

Fourth, the public were told he would be under scrutiny concerning his social media use.

The media storm, criticism from other sportspeople, and murmurings from Rugby Australia continue.

The whole saga bears the same hallmarks as the treatment of Margaret Court during last years’ same-sex marriage debate.

Armchair experts will say that Folau should have used different words. But he shouldn’t have to be an expert wordsmith or political communicator to say what he believes. Like most people, he speaks with the voice of an ordinary Australian. When that voice is shut down in the public square, you can be sure that the more articulate voices will soon face the same fate.

In the last 24 hours, other players have continued to criticise Folau and Rugby Australia boss, Raelene Castle, has been called on to answer for his beliefs again.

Folau tweeted an 11-minute sermon by evangelist David Wilkerson (see inserted video) in which Wilkerson warns of the imminent return of Christ, the reality of judgement and hell, and the need for repentance. He also warns of false teachers and false Christ’s who will deny truths like sin and judgement." [Martyn ILyes]

Personally I will try my hardest NOT to fly Qantas where ever I can, not while it is being run by a little rainbow tyrant who thinks that the national carrier is his(ze's?) own personal fiefdom.