It's not often that we come across a genuine local hero - in this case, someone who has never played in a Grand Final or won Australia's Got Talent or found a cure for cancer. He's simply a man who's taking a stand on what he sees as injustice and unfairness in our society. He is Fr Rod Bower of Gosford Anglican Church. His message speaks up for the boat people who have been demonised and used as a political football by both sides of politics.
His pulpit is the large sign outside his church and he makes his statements in big letters which are now being picked up and shown more widely in social media. One day, his sign read Tony, please don't call asylum seekers illegal. I don't like it. Signed God'
Today, Facebook has an animation of a series of signs on the theme, 'do you see what I see?, instead of a sovereign border issue, Fr Rod sees men, women and children, nationless, desperate, afraid, with nothing more to lose but their lives. His final screen says, 'please try to see what I see'.
Part of his criticism is aimed at News Limited which he sees as supporting the manipulation of a human tragedy for political gain. So, he has displayed such classics as 'Rupert's News is very, very limited' and 'think before you accept Rupert's propaganda.'
He also has broader messages such 'Jesus had two dads and he turned out all right' and 'it's not just up to DOCS, it's up to us as well'. One I particularly liked says, 'some people are gay. Get over it. Love, God'
On the church's website, there's a welcome message: We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.
We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up or just got out of jail.
Local hero, indeed!
His pulpit is the large sign outside his church and he makes his statements in big letters which are now being picked up and shown more widely in social media. One day, his sign read Tony, please don't call asylum seekers illegal. I don't like it. Signed God'
Today, Facebook has an animation of a series of signs on the theme, 'do you see what I see?, instead of a sovereign border issue, Fr Rod sees men, women and children, nationless, desperate, afraid, with nothing more to lose but their lives. His final screen says, 'please try to see what I see'.
Part of his criticism is aimed at News Limited which he sees as supporting the manipulation of a human tragedy for political gain. So, he has displayed such classics as 'Rupert's News is very, very limited' and 'think before you accept Rupert's propaganda.'
He also has broader messages such 'Jesus had two dads and he turned out all right' and 'it's not just up to DOCS, it's up to us as well'. One I particularly liked says, 'some people are gay. Get over it. Love, God'
On the church's website, there's a welcome message: We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.
We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up or just got out of jail.
Local hero, indeed!
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