Andrew Thorburn’s short-lived career as Essendon Football Club chief has sparked a furore on freedom of speech and religion that has prompted a strong reaction from readers of The Age.
Thorburn was the former chief executive of NAB, but lasted just one day in the top job at the Bombers before resigning on Tuesday after it emerged he was chairman of the controversial City on The Hill Church.
Andrew Thorburn resigned within a day of being appointed Essendon CEO.Credit:Australian Financial Review
The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. Its stance on homosexuality and abortion attracted unwanted headlines for Essendon as soon as Thorburn was appointed, even though he tried to distance himself from some of the organisation’s most hardline positions.
While some readers thought it was unfair Thorburn was forced out because of his religious beliefs, others argued he should never have been appointed in the first place. Readers also had strong opinions on the commentary provided on the issue this week by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy.
Brian was one of the first readers to respond on Wednesday, saying he thought the Bombers were better off without Thorburn at the helm. “We’re banning people from promoting bad treatment of minority groups,” he said. “Some Christians (gradually reducing) are very cruel to LGBT[Q] and young unwed mothers.”
What the readers said:
These aren’t positions of belief in any church, these are positions of power. Power over people – John
Thorburn doesn’t go to a church, he has a significant role at that church. If people chose to participate in organisations that promote marginal and offensive positions they should expect in turn to be marginalised – Damian
What happened to democracy? Surely, he is free to honour his religious beliefs – No name provided
Ridiculous cancel culture garbage. Because he’s a member of a church that has a pastor who made some controversial speeches nearly 10 years ago? Give it a rest – Laurence
Stupid and crazy. Surely a person is entitled to hold an opinion that is not necessarily accepted by everyone else in our privileged world . Plus, Dan Andrews is wrong again as he is so often on critical matters – John
Seems a bit hypocritical. Are we going to be consistent here with any other religion that doesn’t agree with abortion? – Michael
Absolute no-brainer. Total support to see the end of this person. What were the board thinking? NAB association should have been enough to rule this … person out – Name not provided
It was the only option. His position as chairman of a church holding these views is not compatible with the values of the Essendon Football Club. It is not about his own personal or religious beliefs but his official position in that church. Also, I had real concerns about his history as NAB CEO –Rhonda
I am more concerned that the guy leading the search for the CEO ended up being appointed the CEO more than the church links. Not supportive of the church’s reported position but not sure it’s overly relevant – AS
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