A year after he condemned comments by Israel Folau about gay people, an article by a Samoan pastor in South Auckland is still drawing comments from readers.
However,
while most of the original comments supported Folau, the latest comments
express a different view.
Rev Apelu Tielu, who was ordained in the Uniting Church in Australia, was a minister in the Pacific Islanders in the Papakura parish of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
When Folau,
who is of Tongan descent, first drew
attention to his beliefs in April last year, saying gays would go to hell unless
they repented, Rev Tielu wrote an article for E-Tangtata saying that Folau’s comments made him cringe.
In the
article he said Folau’s views did not represent the core values of
Christianity.
Since the
footballer’s most recent statement and the furore over his effort to raise
funds to pay his legal costs, the article had drawn almost as many letters as when
it was originally published.
Rev Tielu,
whose daughter is gay, said Folau was irresponsible for not taking the time to
consider the effect of his comments on
vulnerable people.
“It appears
he hasn’t taken the time to reflect on his status in wider society, and how his
words and actions would impact on his fans,” Rev Tielu said.
He also
expressed concerns about the public expression of support from Folau’s wife.
“Israel and
Maria Folau are probably the biggest stars in their respective sports — rugby
in Australia and netball in New Zealand.
“As such,
they’re role models for aspiring young rugby and netball players, especially in
the Pacific Islands community. Their fans look up to them, whether they like it
or not.”
Rev Tielu
acknowledged that many Islander held a particular understanding of Christianity.
“I know the
church used “fire and brimstone” tactics to scare people into conversion and to
control people,” he said.
“I know
there are still a lot of pastors using these tactics, especially those that
have never set foot inside a theological college.
“I also know
the majority of Pacific people and churches share this understanding of
Christianity.”
The most
recent comments on Rev Tielu’ article
for E-Tangata article reflect a range
of views, from condemnation of Folau’s position on gays to his attempt to raise
funds for his legal costs.
There is
also some questioning of Rev Tielu’s
potion.
‘Peter’
wrote: “It’s not the job of Christians to be the moral voice in the world, it’s
only to love their neighbour and support each other in this life. I agree whole
heartedly with you on this. I disagree on your take on Paul and ‘lay’ folk
understanding of scripture. Paul’s gospel is one of forgiveness and grace, the
opposite of judgement and condemnation. The old covenant was one of judgment,
Paul clearly wrote about the new covenant and reserved his most scathing
comments for those who tried to bring Christians under the law.”
‘Paul’
wrote: “I don’t agree with his hate or now trying to cover what he said. I also
disagree with a millionaire not paying his own legal fees and if he does win
gaining more from hate.”
‘Vivienne’
wrote: “Israel, Israel, God is calling, calling thee from lands of woe…He is
telling you to give your donations from the GoFundMe page to the sick, the
needy, the hungry, the homeless, the poor and less fortunate. You have made
millions of dollars and many fans through your elite sporting commitments, a chance
that not many great sports people could ever achieve…many people struggle and
don’t ask for handouts and yet a man of your calibre has no shame to ask for
millions for your actions. Through a simple lack of poor judgement you
encountered you were terminated from a sporting career that has won many fans
over. And look where you are now! Begging for help! The sick and afflicted
cannot get $10,000 let alone $3,000,000.”
‘Jan’ wrote:
“Israel Folau supporters say ‘Truth Hurts.’. But Jesus continually condemns
teachers of the law and Pharisees for the ‘Truth’ of their judgemental
preaching of the law. Matthew 23:15 Jesus says “Woe to you, teachers of the law
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single
convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of
hell as you are.”
Bro Junior
Metuangaro wrote: “I hope that by the grace of God, Israel Folau will be more
careful how to present the word of God.
My prayer is that we should still love those who may not agree with us.”
‘Stephan’
wrote: “So, like most amateur preachers…
Folau picks and chooses from Holy Writ what he condemns.”
‘Jo Kennedy
wrote: “Jesus said nothing regarding homosexuality. These people like Israel
Folau cherry pick the Bible to reinforce their bigotry. The quote he used is
from Paul – who never saw Jesus or heard him speak.”
‘Jan’ wrote:
“Matthew 23: ‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded,
you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.’ “
‘Tupe’
wrote: “Why would someone go to hell because they loved? When I see my cousin
and his husband hold hands I don’t think
‘Aaww he’s going to hell.’ I think ‘Wow I wish that love and understanding
for myself and others.’”
