But Premier blasts ‘bigotry’ of new CEO Thorburn’s church Dan still in Dons’ camp

DANIEL Andrews says he will still renew his Essendon membership despite the “absolutely appalling” views of new CEO Andrew Thorburn’s church.

The Victorian Premier, who is a supporter of the Essendon football club, said the decision to appoint a CEO ultimately rested with the club’s board.

“There are many reasons to be a somewhat disappointed Essendon supporter,” he said.

Asked if the board needed to reconsider the appointment, he said: “That’s entirely a matter for them.”

Mr Andrews described the views of the City on a Hill, a church organisation that has likened abortion to concentration camps and declared homosexuality a sin, as “intolerance”, “hatred” and “bigotry”. “It is just wrong,” he said.

Despite the revelations, Mr Andrews has committed to renewing his membership.

“The Essendon footy club is about more than one person,” he said. “I’d encourage all Essendon members to renew their membership.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Thorburn (pictured) said it was “very important” his church’s strong views on abortion and homosexuality could be expressed in Australian society, and called for the Bombers to judge him on his leadership and not his faith.

Thorburn, 57, said he would welcome any gay footballer at Essendon who came to him to express their concerns over his position as chairman at City on a Hill.

“I would say (to a gay player) thank you and I respect and care about you and you’re welcome in this organisation, and I want to hear what you think and that to ensure that you feel safe and can speak out,” Thorburn said on Tuesday.

He said he had “different views on some matters” to the church, but did not clarify his personal stances.

“I don’t always agree with what’s said (by the church). But in a way that’s not the point,” he said. “If you want a diverse society it also means there’s going to be people with different views.”