“What I was referring to in terms of the natural disasters that are happening now wasn’t a direct, I guess, message to the people that are affected.
Giving a sermon to his church congregation, Folau — who is after $14 million in compensation from Rugby Australia after the governing body sacked him for anti-gay comments made on Instagram — implied the fires were God’s way of speaking to people and encouraging them to repent.
“God is full of love and the scriptures say that God is patient and is not willing that anyone should perish but come to repentance, so that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing God's word even if it comes across as harsh and people take it the wrong way,” Folau said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Timely reminder of God's word': Folau clarifies bushfire commentsIsrael Folau says his controversial comment that the bushfire crisis was a sign of 'God's judgment' in response to the legalisation of same-sex marriage was not meant to offend but that it was a “timely reminder of god’s word” | tomdecent
Read more »
Behind the lens: SMH photographers capture raging NSW bushfiresOur photographers offer their insights into the worst fires of living memory after being on the front line earlier this month.
Read more »
Brazil's President makes unfounded accusations against DiCaprio over Amazon firesWithout offering proof, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claims actor Leonardo DiCaprio funded non-for-profit groups that he claims are partly responsible for fires in the Amazon this year.
Read more »
Tennis Australia to honour Margaret Court despite star's divisive views on same-sex marriageTennis Australia has brokered a truce with Margaret Court and will recognise the 50th anniversary of her calendar Grand Slam at next year's Australian Open but reiterated the organisation disagrees with her personal views on same-sex marriage.
Read more »
Noongars' $290 billion compo claim will transform Indigenous Australia: lawyerThe Noongar people's $290 billion compensation claim against the West Australian government for loss of its land will be transformative both for them and all Indigenous Australia, says the lawyer leading the action
Read more »
Australia a 'treasure island' for medical device giants: ex-hospital bossThe former chief executive of hospital group Healthscope has backed insurers' claims they are being gouged by medical device manufacturers, saying the country is referred to as a 'treasure island' for the industry
Read more »