Anthony Albanese slams former prime minister’s sermon where he pedalled ‘conspiracy theories’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shot down “astonishing” claims made by the nation’s former leader in a church sermon.

Anthony Albanese has savaged Scott Morrison for pedalling “conspiracy theories” about the United Nations in a speech the Prime Minister described as “astonishing”.

Mr Albanese has revealed he couldn’t believe what he was listening to after his predecessor delivered a sermon over the weekend at the Pentecostal Victory Life Centre church.

In a declaration that people should put their faith in Christ over “fallible” governments, Mr Morrison said he didn’t trust in the institution that he led just a few months ago.

“We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust the United Nations, thank goodness,” Mr Morrison said.

“We don’t trust in all of these things as fine as they might be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I’ve worked in it.”

Mr Albanese said the remarks were unworthy of a former national leader.

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Anthony Albanese has blasted Scott Morrison’s ‘astonishing’ church sermon. Picture: Supplied

“I just thought, ‘Wow’,’’ he told ABC Melbourne.

“This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had that great honour of leading the government and I found it quite astonishing.

“It provides some explanation perhaps of why, in my view, clearly he didn’t lead a government that was worthy of the Australian people.

“I find it astonishing that in what must have been, I guess, a moment of frankness, he has said he doesn’t believe in government. I believe that the government does play a role in people’s lives and our living standards,” he added.

Mr Albanese said he was appalled by the reference to the United Nations.

“And the idea that he’s out there and pressing the United Nations button,’’ he said.

“Again, I mean I have spent the first two months trying to repair our international relations.

“That sort of nonsense, throwaway conspiracy line about the United Nations, I think isn’t worthy of someone who led Australia.”

In the speech, Mr Morrison said God had a plan for him and also characterised anxiety as “Satan’s plan”.

“Do you believe that if you lose an election that God still loves you and has a plan for you?” he asked to applause and laughter.

“I do. I still believe in miracles. God has secured your future, all of it. Yeah, even that bit.”

It’s the second time since Mr Morrison lost the election that he has appeared before churchgoers.

Mr Albanese said Scomo’s ‘conspiracy’ theories was not appropriate behaviour for a former national leader. Picture: Jeremy Piper/NCA NewsWire

In his final hours as prime minister, Mr Morrison choked back tears while addressing his Horizon church in south Sydney.

Mr Morrison dedicated much of his Sunday sermon to rising rates of mental illness in Australia, an issue he said was a high priority for him as prime minister.

While he noted there were “biological issues” or “brain chemistry” that resulted in clinical disorders, he sought to link the everyday anxieties to a spiritual deficit.

Mr Morrison declared that if people gave into their worries, they were giving into “Satan’s plan”.

“God knows that anxiety is part of the human condition,” he said.

“No matter how (secular people) might seek to deny it, or even dismiss it, the truth of God stands up and shines.”

During his address, Mr Morrison also took aim at “safe spaces” that he said had been “taken out of so much context” that they no longer meant a place between someone and God.

“Don’t get me started,” Mr Morrison said.