The New Zealand International player re-posted Israel’s online campaign, which seeks to raise AUS$3m for legal action against RA, on the grounds of religious discrimination.

The former Wallaby fullback had his AUS$4m (£2.2m) contract terminated after posting ‘hell awaits’ sinners including adulterers and homosexuals’ on Instagram.

Netball Australia have insisted that Mrs. Folau is not in breach of her contract.

In a joint statement with the Super Netball league they said: “There is no action required by the league,

“We will continue to support Maria as a valued member of the Thunderbirds and the Suncorp Super Netball league.”

Chief executive of regional body Netball South Australia, Bronwyn Klei said:

“While Netball SA in no way endorses the reposting, we do not believe Maria has contravened our social media policy.”

Folau is a Silver Fern and Commonwealth Games gold medallist and is set to play for her country at this summer’s Netball World Cup in Liverpool.

The ‘Rise in Strength’ conference gathered 60 female leaders from 18 different nations, to call on the Christian community to honour women’s leadership in family, church and community contexts.

The joint initiative from The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Women’s commission and the Lausanne Movement, sought to address gender inequality and encourage women in their spiritual gifting, through prayer and worship and urged the Church to celebrate the service of women in the work of God.

Elke Werner, a leader of the Lausanne Movement said: “It is so important to recognise the contribution of so many women in the different nations of the kingdom of God.

“These women are heroes. But we also need to stand up for women and girls who cannot fulfil their God-given potential because of barriers in their church culture.”

A survey of 500 female leaders, conducted by the consultation, suggested that sexism and church culture were the biggest obstacles to women pursuing Christian ministry.

Director of the WEA Women’s Commission said: “We want to acknowledge the pain when women’s voices are silenced, single women are ignored, or when the Church tolerates abuse.

“But we also want to be positive about what we can achieve when we work together using our gifts.”

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Ziad al-Bandak, head of a Palestinian presidential committee leading the church renovation, said Saturday that international experts were arriving in the West Bank town to examine the font.

Mr al-Bandak described the Byzantine font as a “magnificent” discovery that had been covered by a larger known vessel.

In 2013, Unesco declared the church a World Heritage site and a restoration project was launched five years ago to overcome decades of neglect.

During holidays, especially Christmas, the church attracts pilgrims and tourists to the occupied West Bank town.

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Entitled “Faith Actors call for Global Solidarity”, the letter signed by over 25 faith-based actors, acknowledges the vulnerabilities of displaced families and the role of faith communities to promote peace and provide places of sanctuary for those facing persecution.

The statement reads: “The diversity of origins and traditions which make humanity unique are being targeted by intolerance, sometimes by brutal violence, and refugees are often on the front line of this assault.

“Based on their religious teachings, as well as on the experience that some of their communities have of being targeted themselves, faith-based actors seek to address xenophobia as one of their special responsibilities.”

Figures from the UN have shown that the number of refugees forcibly displaced from their homes has risen to over 70 million.

Tearfund, World Evangelical Alliance and Christian Aid where among those that also signed the solidarity declaration.

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As part of the Churches Renewal and Reform proposal, the investment plans to establish a stronger presence within local communities and share the gospel message to more people.

Approximately £63m will be earmarked for the training and recruitment of new ministers across the dioceses between 2020 and 2022 as part of a church-wide goal to increase candidates for ordination by 50 per cent.

Up to £20m of funds will be given to mission and outreach projects in poorer neighbourhoods, to support schemes that offer affordable housing and tackle poverty.

Struggling cathedrals are set to receive up to £10m to help them develop sustainable financial strategies and protect historic places of worship for future generations.

Welcoming the announcement, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said:

“Our ongoing and new investments underline our commitment to supporting the growth of God’s Kingdom, so that more people can come to know the hope of Jesus Christ in their lives.

“The funding strengthens the ability for the whole of the Church to bear increased witness and extend Christian love and service in the many and varied communities it serves.”
 
The funding proposals are subject to final approval at the Annual General Meeting of the Church Commissioners on 26 June.

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