Narre Warren Revival Christian Church pastor Paul Furlong slams Aus Open as ‘double standard’
A Narre Warren church leader fined for defying strict lockdown laws and reopening says the Australian Open going ahead is a “double standard” and urged other churches to reopen.
South East
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A Narre Warren church leader fined for defying strict Stage 4 restrictions says it’s a “double standard” to allow tennis players to play at the Australian Open.
Footage circulating on social media shows worshippers gathered at Revival Christian Church in Narre Warren indoors without masks, singing and praying on Sunday, February 14.
When police arrived about 90 minutes into the service, the local pastor told officers he had chosen to obey God and not the lockdown.
Pastor Paul Furlong told Leader it was a “double standard” to allow tennis players to play at the Australian Open, while churches and businesses remained shut.
“It’s a lot of hypocrisy, it’s a double standard. Not that we should stop the tennis, but the fact they’re closing anything down,” Mr Furlong said.
“I wish they could do the same in every aspect of society,” he said.
Mr Furlong said his personal conviction and understanding of a “clear word of god” led to his decision to open during lockdown.
“I fell on my knees after the last lockdown … I said lord I will never close the church again.
“The response from churchgoers is that they’re so thankful, I’m getting lots of messages through Facebook.
“At the same time I’m getting a huge amount of abuse including foul language.”
He said churchgoers were not wearing masks because they can’t worship god singing “gagged”.
“Somewhere we have to draw a line in the sand as believers for our faith in God.”
Mr Furlong said he received two fines from police after defying strict lockdown laws.
“I got a knock on the door at 10pm last night and I got issued two fines – one is $1650 and the other one I’m not disclosing.
“I don’t want to reveal whether the fine is too heavy or too light … I’ll let the public guess on that one.”
He said he stood up and reopened in the hope that other churches to stay open.
“I’m hoping that god could use this to stir up many pastors of many churches right across Melbourne and Victoria to get some fortitude and some strength to open their doors.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police attended a building in Narre Warren in response to a religious gathering.
“Officers were called to Victor Crescent about 11am to reports of about 50 people attending a service,” the spokeswoman said.
“There were also several people seated at an adjoining cafe connected with the religious group.
“People dispersed without incident upon police arrival.”
The spokeswoman said officers had spoken with the organiser who will be issued with an infringement notice for breaching the directions of the Chief Health Officer.
“The investigation into the incident remains ongoing with inquiries being made in relation to possible incitement offences.
“Those who attended the service will not be issued an infringement notice but many received warnings and are reminded to adhere to the directions of the Chief Health Officer for the safety of all Victorians.”
