The Facts on Folau
There has obviously been a lot written on the whole fiasco involving Israel Folau and Rugby Australia, but the reporting has been far from accurate. Take for instance the evidence provided by former Wallaby captain, Nick Farr-Jones, who was interviewed at the start of the saga by Andrew Bolt. The full interview can be found here:
One aspect that was especially insightful was what Farr-Jones outlined as being the so-called “contractual agreement” with Raelene Castle, the CEO of Rugby Australia, and Michael Cheika, the coach of the Wallabys, as to “what he could and couldn’t post”. According to Farr-Jones, “the public has been very misled in relation to that as well”. What follows is a transcript from the 7:45 minute mark of the interview:
I thought he’d apologise. I thought he’d say, “Nick, yes I did say to my coach Cheka and I did say to my chief executive Castle that I wouldn’t do those words again.” I think with coach he told, well he exactly told me, that I had one communication, it was by phone, Michael just said to him, “Israel can you be respectful in any of those things…please go ahead and do it… as did his CEO.
He had a meeting with Raylene Castle, last year after the first offence, they didn’t get a meeting of the minds, that’s very clear. He never, ever agreed that he would not do those same kinds of postings. The chief executive just said, “Israel we just want you to be respectful and not offensive in the way you communicate to people.” The chief executive as I understand from talking to Israel then went out and had a press conference and made public statements on behalf of Rugby Australia and said things that Israel said to me were totally misleading…
Farr-Jones then went on to add:
Israel said to me a number of times, “Nick if I was ever told I couldn’t, I didn’t have the freedom of being able to communicate my faith, I had to dilute it down, I would never have agreed.” And that goes I think to the whole contractual issue. What was signed in writing, what was agreed verbally. He said I would never, ever have agreed to give up my freedom to voice my view to voice my Biblical faith and my faith in general.
Well, it sounds like someone has been guilty of telling porkies. What’s more, if there was no written or verbal agreement between Folau and Rugby Australia then how can he possibly be guilty of a breach of contract, let alone a “high-level” one?
If what Farr-Jones is saying is correct, then this whole sorry saga just got a whole lot simpler as well as more expensive. For if it does go all the way to the High Court—as many are predicting—then it’s difficult to see how Rugby Australia are going to financially survive.
But maybe Raelene Castle needs to go back and read 1 Corinthians 6:9 which Folau originally posted. Because the threat of divine judgment extends to liars as well.
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We know this is spiritual warfare and Israel has been the guinea pig to see how they stand. A case to see just how much Communist control these bring to our society. False assumption of their own importance. Very sad. Called narcissism! My view is RU will have to pay what is owed and maybe the judge could order them to understand the Biblical content more rather than seeing it as a slight against one area of many. This is supported by the fact he has apparently never insulted any of his gay teammates players and l think that says it all.
Odd how it doesn’t mention greedy. From 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
The passage is not intact in its entirety. I noticed the greedy as been left out….
Have you every seen a gay boy been kneed and and punched and no body does or can anything about it because they could be next. Do you think he has a choice. These views support that this continues wouldn’t you think ?
@Daz Proco, yes I have. And I was the one to protect him. I agree that Israel’s views are stupid. But if this article is correct, Rugby Australia never had the right to sack him.
And it had much less right given that they’ve allowed players guilty of drug abuse and sexual harassment stay on.
Folau also stated that if his position in rugby became untenable he would….walk away….from the game! He is also a LIAR…. Can’t stand the bloke… He was paid to play a great game …represent his country and travel the world…All he had to do was play and not post 2000 year old beliefs on social media…Not hard….Most people would play for their country for free,,,, Now he wants to bankrupt the game… What an absolute disgrace of a so called Christian… It’s all about the money …
“What an absolute disgrace of a so called Christian… It’s all about the money …
You sir, (like many/most people) OBVIOULSY have no clue about Christianity except what you’ve conjured up in your own little mind. Feel free to discuss a topic when you have a PROPER understanding of it.
Also, it is NOT about the money. This issue is now a matter of the constitutionally protected ‘freedom of religion’ for ALL faiths, not just Christianity and if you want to take it to the next level, ask yourself, “What’s next?”
Thought police?
OBVIOULSY = OBVIOUSLY… DOH!!
No edit function that I can see.. . ????♂️
I support Israel Felau’s right to free speech on his own media or website. It wasn’t an exact quote from 1 Corinthians 6 but i accept he was warning others who may follow him in the spirit of love,not hate or disrespect. RA should apologize and offer to reinstate him kn the team
The issue is an issue of free speech. If Christians or anyone else can’t say what they believe we all have lost our freedom. no government or institution should be able to prevent free speech. Those who do should become personally responsible for the consequences.
Okay so then by that logic, Religious schools and institutions should not be able to fire or punish teachers or staff for being gay or posting support for LGBTQI+ people in public forums right?
This is not an issue of free speech. This is an issue of poor choices and actions having consequences.
I don’t believe that Rugby Australia would survive financially if a correct judgement was made in this case so it is apparent that Raelene Castle will be out of a job very soon and the sooner the better for RA.
QANTAS also could be in serious trouble if the sponsorship is dropped over this issue or in the near future and if they did so Alan Joyce’s Position may also be untenable.
Vengeance is Mine sanity The Lord.
Every human being has a freedom of Speech and freedom of Religon. Why does Australia have to make big deal out it….No wonder Australian Rugby is not performing well because the players religous rights are not respected.
All the best Rugby Australia we know its about a matter of principal. At the and if the day the judge will present a judgement, thank goodness its not you that delivers that.
It is important to understand that this text is written to “believers” The writer is warning against doing things which would prohibit living a lifestyle that God has provided for them. (Kingdom of God) It is not a prohibition of sinful Christians from going to heaven . The only sin that is keeping others out of heaven is unbelief.
If you don’t want anyone to have freedom of speech why don’t you go and live in Korea or China, you might like that!!!!