Folau speaks for the first time since sacking announcement

So quoting a verse from the Bible is now a sackable offense for Australian employees.

I think it is the Western world that is not normal any more, idolizing the wrong and not following God in a right manner.

Israel, you are an absolutely hero, I applause you, you have guts no other sport men have or any well known person. You are my new Hero in Christ on the horizon, bigger then rugby can every make you. Rugby is not going to take you into Heaven, but doing what God expect you to do and that is to preach his name, no matter what the opposition will said about it. One or other time your rugby career will end, but preaching the word of the Lord is a never ending story. God put us in position, in certain places to praise and worship his name , and now is your time my brother. Go full out as going for the goal line, ignore every distraction trying to stop you from scoring your try. Victory's going to be sweet my friend, God will lift up your hand in victory. May blessings will follow you, in Jesus Christ name. Shalom

The Truth of Jesus Christ Church is the name of his church. You can't make this stuff up. To all the 'solid' christians on this forum, what is this church? Is it a real church or a nutty fringe group? And why does Israel happily take money from the types of people (alcohol companies, airlines that have gay executives) that he rallies against?

ok BJ - we'll try to explain this to you again :) All RA contracted players are required to comply with a Code of Conduct. That code of conduct has words to the effect they can't use public statements, social media etc to bring the game into disrepute, cause brand damage, or villify, insult, criticise minority groups that RA are specifically trying to bring into the game. RA is encouraging a totally inclusive sport where everyone is welcome to participate. Folau's comments on social media in 2018 were clearly inconsistent with this and therefore a breach of contract. He was counselled, warned in 2018 and allegedly agreed never to do it again. This was done verbally and by letter - allegedly. Now in the middle of world cup season he does same thing again with timing that will cause maximum damage to RA, his team mates in Waratahs and WBs, Rugby fans and our world cup hopes. More important it does maximum damage to the 1000s of sensitive and vulnerable young people who are struggling with identity and sexuality issues. Many of these people idolise Folau as a hero. Again it's a breach of contract issue but worse than last year because of its timing and being a repeat offence. After the fact he's shown zero remorse. So as Peter Fitzsimons has said - "Folau wrote his own resignation letter" :)

I’d wager that a lot of the same people shrieking their outrage over the “denial” of Folaus freedom of speech were just as outraged when Anthony Mundine exercised his rights to blurt out his fundamentalist nonsense.

IOkay, I am no lawyer, nor did I sign that contract, but from what I can gather, the contract forbade anything that was not in harmony with the inclusiveness of rugby. Right? So my question would then be, what did Folau's post have to do with rugby...and where or when did he ever suggest that gays or anyone else should be excluded from rugby, or any other sport? Or is the rugby union's policy of inclusiveness extend to the kingdom of heaven as well?

BS

Rhys: I have little interest in what a bunch of rugby followers or players or ex players have to say on this issue - unless that are gay, or part of the alphabet soup of minority sexual options. They are the people he has supposedly offended and I have seen only one post re this issue from a gay person. His was hardly an outraged and anti Isreal F comment, it was far more balanced than most of the anti-Christian posters here. Most of the anti posters here are just following their political ideology and I guess if they posted their profile it would say - Atheist (just another religion BTW) and left wing. 'I judge all people as I meet them' is my motto, not judging someone you have never met, nor are likely to meet!

I was being reductive to expose your argument for what it is - flawed. Perhaps you missed it.

Even our very religious Prime Minister has called Folau’s statements terribly insensitive He'll do anything to be popular - then repent next Sunday! Sin - repent, sin - repent, sin - repent ......

I did take a quick look but didn't see any independent looking sources that suggested it. In fact this rather old story on BBC refutes the types of stats used to support it, pretty solidly. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24864587 The same groups behind your 100 african christians appear to be behind this "most" persecuted story. The final conclusion of the article is quite pertinent though. The majority of christians are living in dangerous areas and should have our sympathy and support.

I would hardly say Folau is being persecuted. His views are in the minority, albeit vocal. RA has a social media policy, most workplaces do. He breached RA policy. He can go to his Church and say everything he posts to an already baited crowd. As soon as it's public his employer can and did get involved, as is their right.

No doubt Uyghurs and Falun Dafa are persecuted in China, and one may argue that they are more persecuted in this theatre than Christians. I have not dismissed the Rohinga case even though it is quite obvious they started the latest conflict with their armed separatist attacks (and how many on here say freedom of speech and expression does not give you freedom of consequence), however the point still stands. Whilst in some parts of the world Christians may not be the most persecuted religion, the studies showing that Christianity is currently the most persecuted religion in the world are numerous and easily accessible. I suspect you've done some basic research on this and seen that it is so, but prefer to try to throw some shade on the argument by selecting an area and saying but in this area, this religion is more persecuted than Christianity. It would be like me arguing that the Crusaders aren't the best team in SR at present because they aren't the strongest in every position on the field.

They are just examples of why Christians might not be the most persecuted religion in the world. I know you’ve dismissed the Rohingya case since you think they started it. What’s your take on these two? Estimates there are a hundred thousand in detention?

Actually it was Sunday’s he didn’t play. Never on Sundays Jones. Also he never stated that he wouldn’t play, but that he didn’t want to and All Black coaches and selectors out of respect never asked him to. So not sure what your point is, except they both have a strong Christian belief, but are quite different to one another.? The reason his appearances were limited was more the result of a horrendous injury he suffered in a Bledisloe cup clash than the odd Sunday game he missed.. but apart from that, fair point.

Gloria 'your right to represent your country is taken away, that qualifies as persecution for me.' This statement is illogical. Representation to represent one's country is earned through excellence in the sport. Even Olympians sign codes of conduct once they qualify. Folau has seemingly broken his contract. He has exposed himself to the media in a media and is suffering the consequences for that too.

Agree but not punished' rather deemed unfit for the role

KP you are spoiling what should be a sensible conversation about an important issue.