CEO of Wesley Mission Stu Cameron has labelled the Australian Christian Lobby’s funding of paid Israel Folau advertising in national newspapers as ‘tone deaf’ and ‘obscene’.

The ACL is pushing ahead with its campaign to get Folau back playing in the NRL.

“I’ve never publicly weighed into the various controversies that from time to time surround the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and its messaging on various issues,” Cameron wrote on the Eternity News website.

“Right now the ACL is spearheading (and bankrolling) a campaign to get Israel Folau playing NRL again, including (very expensive) full page ads in newspapers today. Enough.

“Such a campaign is tone deaf at best, an obscene, attention seeking waste of resources at worst. Since the beginning of March, five indigenous Australians have died in custody across our nation. Five. This despite a royal commission, numerous inquiries and various other interventions.

‘The heart of a lion and the guts of an army’: Tom Raudonikis dies after bashing the piss out of cancer for several years

“I would humbly suggest this is a FAR more relevant and pressing injustice that the gospel calls Christians to invest their energy and resources in advocating for, and partnering with others for real change. Real change that saves real lives.”

Meanwhile Wests Tigers will retire the number 7 jersey in all grades this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval in a show of respect for the late Tom Raudonikis.