A visibly emotional Scott Morrison, Australia’s outgoing prime minister, thanked his church family for their support and said he was glad his last words in the top job were addressed to them.
Describing him as a man of integrity” and a “man of courage”, pastor Brad Bonhomme, called Morrison on stage.
“You’ve given us a great foundation from which we could walk what has been a very difficult walk, I’ve got to tell you, over the last four years,” Morrison told his Horizon church family.
Morrison conceded election defeat after his Liberal-National coalition failed to win enough seats. Anthony Lebanese, the leader of the Labor Party, will become the country’s new prime minister.
“Whether you’re a prime minister, a pastor, running a business, teaching in schools, working in the police force, it doesn’t matter. We’re each called to trust and obey. And that’s the life of faith He calls us to. That’s how we live our faith each and every day, regardless of what your job is, and to express it in how you do that,” he continued.
The 54-year-old attended the church’s Sunday service just hours after announcing he was resigning as the leader of the Liberal party, declaring that he had accepted the verdict of voters.
Morrison grew emotional as he made his three-minute address, even appearing to wipe away a tear as he quoted several Bible verses.
“I’m very pleased that the last thing I say as PM is here. So I’m not going to rely on my own words,” he said.
After long a pause to compose himself, he proceeded to read Habakkuk 3:17 and Micah 7:7-8;15.
He concluded: “May God bless Australia. May God bless our community. And may God continue to show his favour on this wonderful church family.”
In an Instagram post, Morrison said he looks forward to continuing to serve his local community.
“For me, life has always been about faith, family, friends and community. We are not our jobs but who we are as unique individuals, (in my view), loved by God.”