Essendon CEO saga: City on a Hill pastor slams Daniel Andrews

City on a Hill pastor Guy Mason has addressed congregants for the first time since Andrew Thorburn’s controversial resignation as Essendon CEO.

City on a Hill founder and pastor Guy Mason. Source: Supplied

The head pastor of the embattled City on a Hill church has hit back at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, labelling his response to the Andrew Thorburn saga “unwise” and suggesting the pursuit of diversity has become a mere “catchphrase”.

Guy Mason on Sunday addressed congregants for the first time since Mr Thorburn’s controversial resignation as Essendon chief executive, which came less than 30 hours after he landed the job amid criticism of his role as City on a Hill chair.

The former NAB chief Mr Thorburn could not present as the figurehead of a football club trying to position itself as socially progressive while simultaneously chairing a church which had espoused conservative Christian views on abortion and homosexuality, critics argued.

Mr Mason in a 2013 sermon compared abortion to the holocaust and preached same-sex relationships were sinful but has since conceded he should have used different wording and said the church, while maintaining marriage is between a man and a woman, stands against homophobia.

Premier Andrews, meanwhile, slammed the church’s views as “bigotry” and “hatred”.

Speaking to The Australian following the church’s Sunday service in a Melbourne Central movie theatre, Mr Mason called the Premier “unwise” and said important cultural questions had been raised.

“It is disappointing for a Premier to label not just our church, but you know, Anglican Church, Christian churches, to label so quickly, as opposed to taking time to actually learn and listen.

“I just think it‘s unwise. I feel we need leaders who cannot inflame situations (but) get to know people and pursue true diversity, not use diversity as their catchphrase.”

Mr Mason said Mr Thorburn had been cancelled because of his faith and that the saga had set a perilous precedent.

“It‘s raised some important questions for our culture, and our day.

“Questions about the relationship of faith in the public square … this idea that you could be cancelled (because of) your faith is a dangerous idea. I think we've seen the importance of learning to listen.”

Mr Mason also believes many Essendon members have now been left to question their place within the club.

In his sermon to congregants, Mr Mason mixed humour with more serious reflection.

“Good to be serving as the senior pastor, no, scratch that, controversial pastor!” he said in his opening line, before revealing he had prayed with Mr Thorburn during the week.

“I think it’s sad to put somebody in a position where they are asked to choose between their faith and their job,” he said.

“I’m thankful to Andrew for his courage and his conviction.”

Mr Mason also clarified the church’s standing on homosexuality and abortion.

“Despite the labelling of our Premier, we are not homophobic,” he said.

“We love all people … (but) we hold that conviction (that marriage is between a man and a woman).

“As believers, we (also) hold to the view that all life is sacred … and that life begins at conception.

“We are committed, City on a Hill, to be a church all about life.”

Mr Thorburn did not attend the service.