A rainbow-colored jersey meant to promote the LGBT ideology has been rejected by seven Australian rugby league players who withdrew from a match rather than wear the article of clothing that offended their faith.
Sky News reported the players are from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, based in Sydney, Australia. The seven players said they would not wear the jersey based on religious and cultural grounds.
The report explained the team, without consulting the players, got the jerseys with rainbow logos replacing the previously white stripe and collar on the ordinary jersey.
“Coach Des Hasler defended the players, saying the club was at fault for not properly consulting them,” the report explained.
The seven players are Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley. They were not even given the choice of wearing the standard jersey, because under National Rugby League rules, all players on a team must dress alike.
The coach told reporters he accepted the players’ decision. He said, “These young men are strong in their beliefs and their convictions and we will give them the space and the support they require.”
The team didn’t even bother to let the players know of its social-ideology advocacy before it boasted of the new jerseys to the media.
The coach said, “Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor. There was little consultation or collaboration between key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club.”
Hasler said the intent was to provide support for “all diverse groups,” but the poor management of the situation caused “confusion, discomfort and pain for many people.”
The Christian Institute reported Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans “warned other clubs not to force players to back specific causes.”
While team owner Scott Penn claimed that the seven players would be open to wearing the rainbow jersey in the future, if properly consulted, a representative of the players said that’s nonsense.
The players will not “backflip on religious beliefs,” the spokesman said, and suggestions they would cave to LGBT pressure was “totally untrue.”
The Institute reported, “Rev. Dr. Ma’afu Palu from the Tongan Evangelical Wesleyan Church said he was ‘very proud’ of the players’ stand. ‘Christianity takes a very strong root in our people,’ he explained. ‘Whatever the Bible says is very authoritative to us.’”
A similar exhibition of courage appeared in the United States earlier in the year, when five Tampa Bay Rays baseball players refused to be forced to promote the LGBT lifestyle choices.
Article by Bob Unruh cross-posted from our news partners at WND News Center.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
I can assure Mr. Penn that no “proper consultation” from him will ever come close to outweighing the Word of Almighty God.
Amen!