‘Persecuted for righteousness’ sake’: Israel Folau posts Bible verse on social media
Image: Image: @IzzyFolau / Twitter.
Embattled rugby player Israel Folau posted a Bible verse on social media on Sunday suggesting he is being persecuted for saying that “hell” is god’s plan for gay people.
Folau has come under fire for his comments, which have .
The screenshot of scripture Folau posted is of Matthew 5, verses 9 to 12, which begins “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.”
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness鈥� sake,” the verse continues, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
On Twitter, Folau wrote above the screenshot “#allglorytoGod”.
Folau last week said that gay people would “unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.
The footballer is set to meet with Rugby Australia on Tuesday about his social media use following the now-deleted comment and his vocal support of the No campaign during the postal survey last year, the聽
????鈽濓笍
鈥� Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau)
Folau has also now blocked聽Star Observer聽on Twitter, despite .
In a statement last week, Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle said, “Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby.
“We are aligned in our view that rugby is a game for all, regardless of sexuality, race, religion or gender, which is clearly articulated in rugby’s inclusion policy.”
Sydney Convicts president Don Rose last week released slamming Folau for his comments.
“The Sydney Convicts are severely disappointed by the recent comments from Israel Folau and unreservedly condemn his remarks.”
“I am particularly concerned with the impact comments such as these have on young LGBTI players within our sport grappling with their sexuality.
“These young people should feel welcomed and accepted by our game and especially those playing at the elite level.”
“Blessed are the peace makers” quotes the guy attacking gay people who did nothing to provoke him.
Israel Folau should look to his Polynesian roots as historically Polynesians are very accepting of difference, eg fafafene. His views come from the extreme right religious missionaries who hold great sway in some Pacific islands, and continue to exert a vice like grip on islanders in Australia, often taking a proportion of the incomes of its followers. As an educator I often saw children who never went on excursions or had money to spend because of the burden these religions placed on their parents. It is to be hoped that Israel will eventually gain the capacity to question rather than judge.
Persecuting for righteousness’ sake is what Folau was doing when he said gays go to hell. Gay people weren’t doing anything to bother him, he launched the first shot.
And now plays the victim card because it’s all so unfair.
What a shocking wuss. Not a patch on Ian Roberts in the toughness department.