Sunrise host David Koch slams senior pastor linked to controversial beliefs

The morning TV host used an interview with a controversial pastor to question his church’s views on homosexuality and abortion.

Sunrise host David Koch has savaged a senior pastor at the church attended by former Essendon chief executive Andrew Thorburn.

Mr Thorburn resigned from the role just 30 hours into the job after he was condemned for his links to the City on the Hill church.

The church’s controversial views on abortion and homosexuality were found to be in direct contradiction to the values of the Essendon Football Club.

The Sunrise morning show invited City on a Hill senior pastor Guy Mason to respond to public criticism of the church’s values.

David Koch probed the church leader on the Christian church's views. Picture: Sunrise

“Even the most conservative bloke I think I know, Peter Dutton, called your views an abomination,” Koch said to round out a heated interview with the pastor.

Mr Mason was staunch in his defence of his church’s values and threw his support behind the former Essendon boss.

“I know Andrew to be a great man, he is a man of integrity, generosity, warmth and he is a man of faith and I admire that in him,” Mr Mason said.

Former Essendon chief executive Andrew Thorburn resigned on his second day in the role. Picture: Supplied

Koch moved swiftly to confirm whether the former Essendon boss aligned with the church’s statements on abortion and homosexuality.

“You need to ask him his views,” Mr Mason replied.

“He wouldn’t be chairman of your board unless he shared the same views the church does,” Koch said.

The morning show host pushed the pastor, asking the church leader to explain statements made by the church in past sermons.

City on the Hill senior pastor Guy Mason said he would not use the same words he used in past statements. Picture: Sunrise

“But comparing abortion to the Holocaust is not love, it’s not inclusion,” Koch said.

“There are so many other churches that are tolerant, are inclusive. You all read the same book, why do you have this hard line and not so loving view?”

Mr Mason said Koch was taking a quote from 10 years ago and the statement was not meant to be “inflammatory”.

“I’d use different words today,” he said.

Koch drilled down on the church’s beliefs surrounding homosexuality and abortion. Picture: Sunrise

Finally, Koch called to question how the former AFL boss was going to stand up during the upcoming AFLW pride round and support the celebration of the game’s LGBTQIA+ community.

“Why did he apply for the job when he knew the values of the Essendon Football Club were completely different to the values of his church and faith?” he asked.

“When the pride round comes up in the AFLW in a couple of weeks, how could he have honestly stood there and encouraged the sentiment around pride round?”

“A footy club is about loving the game and the jumper and it’s bringing together of people of all different walks of life,” Mr Mason replied.

Originally published as Sunrise host David Koch slams senior pastor linked to controversial beliefs