Archbishop Glenn Davies has put the furore over an Instagram post by star Rugby player Israel Folau in context, saying all people should turn to Jesus.

Archbishop Glenn Davies has put the furore over an Instagram post by star Rugby player Israel Folau in context, saying all people should turn to Jesus.

Folau has been called before Rugby Australia and raised the ire of one of the sponsors, Qantas, over a post on Instagram.

The post, since deleted, said that God’s plan for gay people was Hell unless they repent.

In speaking to Radio 2GB, Dr Davies defended Israel Folau’s right to speak out about his faith and said he was glad he had not been disciplined. He also pointed out that God wants all people, regardless of sexuality or anything else, to repent.

“He was answering a question. The context needs to be put very clearly in place in understanding what he’s done.” Dr Davies told host Ben Fordham.

“It’s always good to be respectful in conversation and I’m sure that Izzy wants to be respectful in conversation. It could also be brought back on Rugby Australia that they need to be respectful too of their players and of their players’ rights to have their own beliefs regardless of whether they align with the beliefs of certain sponsors.”

“The reality of what Izzy said of course if he had put the word atheist there – if you said atheists – if they don’t repent – are going to Hell – is that going to be offensive to people? Atheists don’t believe in Hell so why would they care?”

“But remember of course, Izzy said he wants people to actually turn to God – he wants them to turn to Christ. That’s the job that I’m in too and at that level, it was a call upon people to turn to God and at that level I endorse it.”

Another Christian Rugby Player, Waratahs and Wallabies teammate Curtis Rona has posted Instagram #we stand with Israel Folau – quoting from John 14 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me'”.