Former Essendon CEO Andrew Thorburn opted to resign from the club rather than step down from his role as chairman of the controversial City on a Hill church.
Thorburn’s resignation comes barely 24 hours after being appointed to the role, with the church’s anti-gay and anti-abortion stances – the latter likening abortions to concentration camps – described as “absolutely appalling” by Victorian premier Daniel Andrews.
Essendon president David Barham said Thorburn’s position became untenable once he refused to resign from his role at the church.
Watch Trading Day every weeknight from 5pm EST on Fox Footy – daily news and analysis of the AFL trade period. Stream it live or on-demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
LATEST TRADING DAY PODCAST – Tuesday Oct 4 trade wrap
Basically this morning when the comments came out, I went and saw him and it became really clear that Andrew couldn‘t be chairman of that church with those views and CEO of the Essendon Football Club,” Barham said.
“In the end, Andrew decided that he would stay with his church and he couldn’t be CEO.”
Barham added of the content in some of the church’s published articles critical of homosexuality and abortion: “They’re horrible comments and not something that’s reflected in the values of the Essendon Football Club at all.”
He added it was “against the law” to ask a potential employee for their religious beliefs, while also claiming a quick Google search would not have unearthed the comments or views.
“These comments were very deep in sermons from years ago, so they weren’t as easily found as that (a quick Google search),” he said.
“I reference-checked Andrew thoroughly. I rang five incredibly high-profile people who had worked with him and worked for him and I had no reason to think anything other than he was a suitable candidate.”
Greater Western Sydney football director Jimmy Bartel lashed the Bombers for not vetting Thorburn thoroughly enough.
“It’s a massive cross for due diligence and running the process correctly … if you’re a CEO, your values and views are incredibly important because you’re charged with the values and views of an organisation, you’re the figurehead in charge of running the business,” he said.
Thorburn released a statement on his LinkedIn page on Tuesday night, claiming that he was “being required to compromise beyond a level that my conscience allowed”.
“Yesterday was one of the proudest days of my life. To be offered the role of CEO of the Essendon Football Club – who I have followed since I was a boy – was a profound honour. At last night’s Crichton medal, I could hardly contain my passion and wonder at the opportunity. I love the club, love the people, and was incredibly excited about the work ahead. I had seen a picture of a club that was not as broken as feared, and that with leadership and focus, could rebound strongly.
Why Pie’s $3m deal is worth it! | 03:40
“However, today it became clear to me that my personal Christian faith is not tolerated or permitted in the public square, at least by some and perhaps by many. I was being required to compromise beyond a level that my conscience allowed. People should be able to hold different views on complex personal and moral matters, and be able to live and work together, even with those differences, and always with respect. Behaviour is the key. This is all an important part of a tolerant and diverse society.
“Let me be clear – I love all people, and have always promoted and lived an inclusive, diverse, respectful and supportive workplace – where people are welcomed regardless of their culture, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. I believe my record over a long period of time testifies to this.
“Despite my own leadership record, within hours of my appointment being announced, the media and leaders of our community had spoken. They made it clear that my Christian faith and my association with a Church are unacceptable in our culture if you wish to hold a leadership position in society.
“This grieves me greatly – though not just for myself, but for our society overall. I believe we are poorer for the loss of our great freedoms of thought, conscience and belief that made for a truly diverse, just and respectful community.
“My faith is central to who I am. Since coming to faith in Jesus 20 years ago, I have seen profound change in my life, and I believe God has made me a better husband, father, and friend. It has also helped me become a better leader. That is because at the centre of my faith is the belief that you should create a community and care for people, because they are created by and loved by God and have a deep intrinsic value.
“As it happens, I do sometimes disagree with things I hear in church – but I believe strongly in the right of people to say them, especially when taken in context. Reducing complex matters to a sentence is dangerous. Australia has a long tradition of diversity and religious freedom, and that must include preserving space for religious people to be able to express their religious beliefs.
“I am saddened by these events. I wish the Club success, and thank Dave Barham in particular for the opportunity he gave me. I hope the external review leads to great change. I am truly sorry that I will not be able to work with the whole Essendon team, and Brad Scott and Josh Mahoney in particular.”
