I did not set out to tell my story to a mainstream newspaper. Instead, I first approached Martyn Iles, managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, in the hope he would know how to prevent the public from misunderstanding Israel Folau’s church as representing mainstream Christianity.

Israel Folau at a Fair Work Commission conciliation hearing over his sacking by Rugby Australia. Credit:AAP

As recounted by Kate McClymont in her report in the Herald, I was concerned about what my son and other young rugby players might be taught at the Folau family’s church. Some of them had been invited to attend by Israel Folau, then a star player with the Wallabies. So I attended Bible studies at the home of his father, Pastor Eni, and had discussions with Eni’s disciple, his 20-year-old nephew Josiah Folau, who at times has been the church’s appointed spokesman.

As McClymont wrote, “One of those who won’t be saved is Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whose Pentecostal Horizon Church teaches the doctrine of the Trinity. When the parent [me] asked the Folaus if Mr Morrison was a Christian, they laughed and said, 'No, he’s a Hillsong.'"

The Folaus told me that baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was false, and carried out by false teachers. They teach that baptism must be in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, and is necessary for salvation.