Mailbox: Focus on rugby league and not a religious and ethical debate
Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com
Hi James,
In your response to Mike Hopkins you comment on the poor decision of Catalan Dragons in signing Israel Folau. I think it is important to make clear, that their are, I believe thousands of Rugby fans who are dismayed at how Folau is being victimised.
On Saturday I was listening to reports on Folau’s debut and in regards the Rainbow flags and LGBT the phrase ‘the right to have your say’ and the word ‘inclusiveness’ were regularly used. Why is this just one way and does not apply for Bible-believing Christians?
Israel Folau’s views are mainstream Christian beliefs. As well as a rugby fan I am a Presbyterian minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This is the largest protestant denomination in Northern Ireland and has over 500 congregations on the island of Ireland.
We hold to the beliefs that Israel Folau shared on social media because he was quoting from the Bible. I know there are 100’s upon 100’s of churches in England that share these beliefs also.
Why are evangelical Christians demonised for sharing what we believe? Why are only LGBT pressure groups being listened to and their propaganda being swallowed by the media?
Why is Rugby League not just sticking to focusing on the game instead of allowing the LGBT to involve itself in what is a religious and ethical debate?
My one sadness in Israel Folau going to Catalan Dragons is that I hoped he would come and play for Ulster Rugby.
Yours sincerely,
William Moody
Editor’s comment: It has been fascinating to read the hundreds of comments we’ve had on the Folau situation and the number of stories. At the end of the day, he is a professional rugby player, he hasn’t committed a crime, and he has a view that is no doubt shared by others, whoever they may be. There’s clearly a line between free speech and hate crime, but that isn’t a line that rugby league needs to occupy itself with defining in my opinion. The coverage that Folau has received shouldn’t be negated by Super League continually tripping over itself with statements where they skirt around the issue. If they aren’t going to ban him (which they aren’t or can’t), then just get on with it and move on to the next story.
Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com