Israel Folau’s cousin has lost his job at a Catholic school after saying ‘the Catholic Church is a synagogue of Satan’.
Josiah Folau, 20, worked casually as a boarding supervisor St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown where he was school captain in 2016.
But he no longer works there after it emerged his family’s church denounced Catholicism, reported 2GB radio.
Josiah Folau (pictured), 20, worked casually as a boarding supervisor St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown where he graduated in 2016
Josiah Folau (left) has been let go from St Gregory’s for the way he expressed his beliefs
The congregation of the Truth of Jesus Christ Church, established by Israel Folau’s father Eni in 2013, believes that most Christians are going to hell.
One person who went to a service told the Sydney Morning Herald that Josiah told her: ‘The Catholic Church is a synagogue of Satan and I one hundred per cent believe and affirm that Roman Catholicism is masked devil worship’.
Josiah also posted on Instagram a meme saying: ‘If it was a sin 100 years ago, it’s still a sin today. Don’t water down the Gospel for this offended generation’.
He has since been let go from St Gregory’s.
Headmaster Lee MacMaster said: ‘We have met with Josiah recently and in our discussions, Josiah has made the decision to discontinue his casual employment at St Gregory’s College. We respect Josiah’s privacy in this matter.’
Meanwhile, Israel Folau has launched legal action against Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for unfair dismissal, demanding an apology, compensation and the right to play again after he was sacked for making homophobic comments.
Former Wallabies star Israel Folau arrives for a conciliation hearing at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 28 June 2019
Super Rugby’s record try-scorer, who was on a $1million-a-year, four-year contract, was fired in May for posting online that ‘hell awaits’ gay people and others he considers sinners.
The devout Christian opted not to appeal and mediation attempts failed, prompting Folau to take the highly divisive case, which has drawn support from conservatives and outrage elsewhere, to the courts.
‘A conciliation before the Fair Work Commission did not resolve the matters between us. Accordingly, I am commencing court proceedings against Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs,’ he said in a video message.
Folau, who has played 73 times for the Wallabies, raised more than Aus$2 million in just two days through the Australian Christian Lobby to help pay his legal fees, before the appeal was paused, with enough money ‘for now’.
Josiah also posted on Instagram a meme saying: ‘If it was a sin 100 years ago, it’s still a sin today. Don’t water down the Gospel for this offended generation’
It replaced a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign that was shut down after raising more than $700,000, with the platform saying it would not ‘tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion’.
Folau’s claim, lodged with the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on Wednesday and seen by AFP, argued he was unlawfully dismissed under a section of Australia’s Fair Work Act that disallows sackings because of a person’s religion.
It said the 30-year-old was seeking compensation, interest, damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, along with an apology.
Previous reports put the compensation figure at $10 million, including for lost sponsorship and marketing opportunities, a sum that could prove disastrous for Rugby Australia.
‘Mr Folau is an elite sportsman and record try-scorer who should be playing for the NSW Waratahs and the Wallabies, including in the upcoming Rugby World Cup,’ his lawyers said in the claim.
‘His form and natural talent suggest he would continue to be a star player for both teams.’
It added that there was nothing unlawful about uploading religious content to social media.
Israel Folau (pictured with his wife) has launched legal action against Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for unfair dismissal, demanding an apology, compensation and the right to play again after he was sacked for making homophobic comments
‘This benign conduct, which the community accepts is a recognised fundamental human right and freedom, did not justify any punitive action being taken against him by his employer under the player contract or otherwise,’ the claim stated.
‘It certainly did not justify Mr Folau losing his career and livelihood.’
The governing body had no immediate comment, but has insisted Folau’s firing was purely contractual, saying he had agreed not to disparage anyone over their sexual orientation following a similar controversy last year.
‘I have been blessed to have received the support of tens of thousands of Australians throughout my journey, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has offered their prayers and support,’ Folau added in his video message.
‘It has meant so much to (wife) Maria and me over the last few months and gives us strength for the road ahead.’
The matter has been listed for a directions hearing on August 13.