,
Hillsong co-founder Brian Houston lashed out at the decision to allow tennis star Novak Djokovic to remain in Australia and urged the government to “toughen the rules” just three days before the church’s youth camp sparked public outrage .
The mega church has come under fire after footage of young revelers singing and dancing at Hillsong Wildlife Summercamp in the north went viral. Sydney, despite a statewide ban on those activities in nightclubs, pubs and outdoor events.
The video sparked widespread public outrage in one day NSW Recorded over 92,000 new COVID-19 matter
Three days ago, the Hillsong founder weighed in on Djokovic’s Covid-19 vaccine waiver and visa saga ahead of the Australian Open Melbourne next week.
Hillsong co-founder Brian Houston (pictured with wife Bobby) criticized the church’s decision to accuse unsung tennis star Novak Djokovic of violating COVID rules at a youth camp in Australia a few days ago.
Mr Houston made a scathing tweet on Monday after a judge ordered Djokovic to be released from immigration custody and not deported.
‘They should never have been allowed in the country. Hopefully Australia will learn from this and tighten the rules further. #proudlyvaccinated’,’ Mr Houston replied in a tweet.
Mr Houston’s comments about number one in the tennis world sparked a divided reaction, even as the tweet writer replied that he would ‘stand well behind it’.
‘Wow Brian, I used to be inspired by your messages. I have opened my eyes. I had no idea totalitarianism could blind you so badly. When the world needs Christian leaders to stand up for what is right! Your hashtag should read #proudtobechristian,’ wrote one person.
Another added: ‘From a pastor, this is a very sad tweet. Where is Jesus in this?’
Brian Houston weighed in on the Novak Djokovic saga on Monday (tweet pic)
Novak Djokovic (pictured on Friday) could have his visa canceled in the coming days
Hillsong founder Brian Houston (pictured in Sydney on 9 December) said he hoped Australia would learn from the Novak Djokovic saga and toughen rules without vaccination.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Hillsong for comment on Houston’s comments about Djokovic.
The world number one and 20-time Grand Slam champion could face visa cancellation and expulsion from the country despite being the top seed in Thursday’s Australian Open draw.
Meanwhile, the reaction to the footage showing the young hillsong continues. Followers party to religious-themed pop music on the first night of the camp on Wednesdays.
Year 10 to 12 students allowed to proceed irrespective of schedule NSW The government recently banned singing and dancing in nightclubs, pubs and bars and canceled many concerts.
However, NSW Health gave exemptions for religious services – NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this week that religious services were exempted from the rules because people attending such places of worship usually hold ‘fixed positions’ live.
The organizers of the Hillsong event have since been ordered by NSW Health to stop singing and dancing at the event.
“While this order does not apply to religious services, it does apply to major entertainment facilities and the incident clearly violates both the spirit and intent of the order,” Health Minister Brad Hazard said.
Hillsong Youth shared a series of videos showing its teenage followers partying to religious-themed pop music Wednesday night
Hillsong has not commented on its co-founder’s views on Djokovic. Pictured is of Brian Houston, co-founder of the church, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Sydney last month
NSW Police say the church will not be fined.
“NSW Police will liaise with organizers to ensure compliance with public health orders in the future,” a spokesperson said.
The church insisted that its high school-aged youth camps were not comparable to concerts and that COVID-safe protocols were followed.
“Our camps primarily consist of outdoor recreational activities, including sports and games,” Hillsong said in a statement.
‘Outdoor Christian services are held during the camp but these are only a small part of the program, and any singing is only a small part of each service.’
Hillsong founder Brian Houston’s comments about Novak Djokovic sparked a divided reaction