Minister known for pro-refugee signs at Gosford church to run as an independent in NSW

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Outspoken rector of Gosford Anglican church and human rights activist Father Rod Bower will run as an independent candidate for the Senate in the federal election.

Bower made the announcement while addressing a refugee rally in Sydney on Saturday, where protesters gathered to call for children to be evacuated from Nauru. Bower is known for his thought-provoking signs displayed in front of his Gosford church on the New South Wales central coast.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The billboard outside Rod Bower’s Gosford Anglican church in May after a service was disrupted by far-right activists. Photograph: Rod Bower

“I hope to be one of a number of centrist independents committed to rebuilding the ethical framework of our national parliamentary system,” Bower said in a statement, also released on Saturday.

“The parliament’s inability to act ethically on issues such as climate change, refugees and basic human rights is systematic of a deeper malaise within the two-party-dominated structure which has led to legislation being put forward for reasons other than the common good.

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“Senators who are truly independent are able to review legislation on it merit and in the national interest.”

While he will continue to work as an Anglican priest until the next election, Bower said he would resign his position if elected “to maintain a clear separation between church and state”.

In May, Bower’s church was targeted by rightwing activists who marched into the venue during a Saturday evening mass. At the time Bower said he was likely targeted due to his vocal support for asylum seekers and his inclusivity towards Muslims. The sign outside of his church has carried slogans such as: “We’re into hail Marys not heil Hitlers”, “Jesus had two dads and he turned out OK” and “Hell exists and it’s on Nauru”.