One of Brisbane’s leading Christian schools is reviewing its procedures after parents raised concerns about comments allegedly made by a guest speaker during a chapel presentation.
The presentation was reportedly delivered to Year 7 and Year 8 students, aged 12 and 13, at St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly. The college said it would review its processes following the address by an apprentice church worker affiliated with a separate church organisation.
One parent whose child attended the presentation told The Courier-Mail the talk appeared to suggest that people who were gay, or who delayed becoming Christian, could be at risk of going to hell. The parent said the message was concerning given that many teenagers experience insecurity and anxiety.
However, Jonathan Vickers, a gospel worker in training with St Lucia Bible Church, told the publication his comments had been taken out of context. He denied targeting any group based on sexuality.
In a statement, the church said homosexuality was not mentioned during the presentation and rejected reports that any particular group had been singled out.
“The chapel talk delivered at St Peter’s Lutheran College last week was a clear expression of basic Christianity which is cherished by billions of people across the world,” the statement said.
“It focused on the words of Jesus in Luke 14:15-24 about the heavenly banquet all people are invited to, but not all accept.
“No particular group or sexual identity was targeted or even mentioned. Students were encouraged to repent their sins and put their faith in the Lord Jesus.”
The school has sent several messages to parents advising that the matter is being investigated.
“We also have many community members who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community,” an email from Year 7 and Year 8 coordinator Helena Lambert stated.
A separate message from Head of College Tim Kotzar and Deputy Head of College Lisa Delaney said homophobic language, discrimination, vilification, or the demeaning of another person was inconsistent with the school’s values and expectations.
“It is also important that we distinguish between the intentions of the young person who spoke in chapel and the impact of aspects of their message,” they said.
Responding to media inquiries, Tim Kotzar said the college regretted the concerns raised by members of the community.
“The College recognises and regrets that some comments in the presentation caused genuine concern for members of our community,” he said.
“As a Lutheran school, we believe that every person is loved by God, and the dignity and worth of each person is not conditional upon their background, beliefs, identity, sexuality, or circumstances.
“Nor do we believe faith should be communicated through fear or shame.”
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described the reported incident as unacceptable, while Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the alleged comments, if accurately reported, were “completely inappropriate”.
The college has indicated that its review of the matter is continuing.
