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# Church speaker suggests gay people could go to hell during school visit
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/church-speaker-suggests-gay-people-could-go-to-hell-during-school-visit/
- Published: 2026-09-04T11:52:45.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-04T11:52:45.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News

Parents at a Brisbane school have expressed concern after a church worker allegedly suggested during a chapel address that people who are gay could go to hell, prompting complaints from students and a response from school leaders.

The controversy centres on a speech delivered by **Jonathan Vickers**, a trainee gospel worker from **St Lucia Bible Church**, at **St Peters Lutheran College** in Brisbane's western suburbs on **24 August**.

According to parents who spoke to Australian media, students reported that the address included references which they interpreted as suggesting that gay people could be condemned to hell. Mr Vickers also allegedly told students that those who delayed becoming Christians could face a similar fate.

Several parents described the message as harmful, particularly for LGBTQ+ students and young people already struggling with anxiety and self-acceptance.

Following concerns raised by students, the school sent a series of communications to parents distancing itself from aspects of the speech and reaffirming its commitment to inclusion.

In one email, Year 7 and 8 co-ordinator **Helena Lambert** acknowledged the impact the message had on some students. "We also have many community members who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community," she wrote.

"It is also important that we distinguish between the intentions of the young person who spoke in chapel and the impact of aspects of their message."

Lambert said the school recognised that Mr Vickers had attended with the intention of sharing his personal faith journey, but stressed that the college had a responsibility to respond when messages caused harm.

"Our concern is not about condemning a young person for expressing their faith," she said.

"Rather, it is our responsibility as a college to recognise when particular messages have caused harm or do not appropriately reflect the theological and educational context in which we minister to young people, and to respond accordingly."

Mr Vickers rejected suggestions that he had singled out LGBTQ+ people in his address, telling the *Courier-Mail* that his comments had been taken out of context.

"I did not target any particular group or sexuality," he said.

"But all students were urged to repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus."

He added: "St Peters advertises very clearly that they are a Christ-centred community, so a talk based on Jesus' words should be unremarkable."

In a statement issued after the complaints emerged, St Peters Lutheran College said it regretted that some members of the community had been upset and confirmed it was reviewing its procedures for inviting external speakers.

Head of college **Tim Kotzur** said: "The College recognises and regrets that some comments in the presentation caused genuine concerns for members of our community."

"As a Lutheran school, we believe that every person is loved by God, and the dignity and worth of each person is not conditional upon their background, beliefs, identity, sexuality or circumstances."

He added: "Nor do we believe faith should be communicated through fear or shame."