Israel Folau, the outspoken Christian rugby star, has shared an anti-gay sermon from late American evangelist David Wilkerson in an apparent refusal to back down from controversy.
The Australian rugby player attracted heavy criticism after he said gay people would go to 'hell' unless they 'repented on their sins'. He then doubled down on his views, saying he was being persecuted for his faith.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle met with Folau after hints its main sponsor, Qantas, may consider pulling its support if further homophobic comments are made. Its chief executive Alan Joyce has won an award for his campaigning in favour of gay marriage.
But Folau appears reluctant to back down and has shared an 11-minute video by the late evangelist David Wilkinson entitled 'It's time to get right with God'. It includes a number of references to 'sexual perversion' with images and phrases related to homosexuality.
Folau posted: 'With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart.'
With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) 7 May 2018 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Since the controversy it has been suggested that Folau may leave his club the Waratahs with possible options either in the more lucrative European rugby leagues or a switch back to rugby league.
However Folau denied both these options. In a lengthy op-ed for Players Voice he said he did not know what would happen to his career but insisted he would not abandon his views.
'I would sooner lose everything – friends, family, possessions, my football career, the lot – and still stand with Jesus, than have all of those things and not stand beside Him.'
He concluded: 'I trust that He knows what is best for me. He knows the future. He knows how it is all meant to play out.
'At times, you can feel alone and down. But Jesus told us that when you stand up for Him in this world, you can expect backlash. I find peace in that.
'As testing as it can be standing up for what you believe in, the Bible tells us it will be worth it in the end.'
