The Melbourne Royal Show has reversed its shock decision to ban a Christian exhibit called the Good News Booth from this year’s event, after being a fixture at the show for 108-years.
Answers in Genesis which broke the news of the ban late last week and led the fight for the exhibit’s reinstatement, hailed the change of mind as a victory for people power and Christian power:
“Because thousands of Christians stood up, the Melbourne Royal Show has now issued a formal retraction and apology for removing the Good News Booth from the 2025 Show.”
“The Good News Booth is now being reinstated.”
STATEMENT BY ‘ANSWERS IN GENESIS’
This is a powerful reminder that when Christians speak with one voice, the culture is forced to listen and sharing the Gospel can continue.
We thank God for His favour and we thank you for refusing to stay silent.
This win is proof that freedom must be defended, and that faithful people can make a real difference.
The Gospel belongs in the public square. Australia is stronger when people of faith can participate fully and without discrimination.
BACKGROUND TO THE BACKFLIP
The backflip follows a concerted campaign for the exhibit’s reinstatement after last week’s revelations that Melbourne Royal officials had rejected the application from the Good News Booth organisers.
An official letter advised:
After careful consideration and review of patron feedback, we have decided not to offer religious groups exhibition space at the Melbourne Royal Show moving forward.
Therefore, we are unable to progress your application.
Whilst this will not be the news you wish, we would appreciate your understanding and respect for the decision.
“IF THIS SILENCE IS ALLOWED, WHAT’S NEXT?”
A Melbourne pastor, directly involved with the combined church ministry for eight years, told Caldron Pool the excuse for the rejection didn’t match his experience.
To his knowledge, there have never been any formal complaints about the booth and show patrons always seem to give it a warm reception.
Mike Foster, Managing Director of Answers in Genesis Australia declared after learning of the ban: “This isn’t just about one booth.”
“It’s a disturbing sign that Christian voices are being excluded from public spaces, pushing faith to the margins.”
“If this silence is allowed, what’s next?” he asked.
PETITION PILES THE PRESSURE ON SHOW ORGANISERS
It wasn’t allowed.
Answers in Genesis organised a petition and Christians across Victoria and the nation were urged to contact show organisers and politicians to pressure them to reconsider.
As early as Monday, the signs were positive
Andrew McColl of Family Voice Australia was one of many Christians who wrote to the organisers on Monday.
“They got back to me pretty much immediately saying: Thank you for your inquiry. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us.
We are in discussions with Good News about how they might participate in the 2025 show.
As Victoria’s largest community event we take great pride in the Melbourne Royal Show being a celebration like no other for all Victorians to enjoy.
“Now that sounds positive like they’re going somewhere ahead with this,” Mr. McColl reflected.
SHOW ORGANISERS ACCUSED OF “DRAGGING THEIR FEET”
But by Thursday morning, he had a word of caution:
“I got a text last night from Mike Foster, saying that they [show organisers] are really dragging their feet.”
“They’ve reluctantly permitted, or they are going to permit, the Bible booths to have their display, but they’ve made no apology.”
“There’s no acknowledgement that they had done the wrong thing.”
FORMAL APOLOGY DELIVERED
But within hours Answers in Genesis had received a formal apology.
The ministry said it’s now “time to respond with grace,” urging its followers and all reinstatement campaigners:
“We’ve written a clear and respectful thank-you message that you can send to the Show organisers. It takes less than a minute.”
“Let’s show that Christians not only stand firm, but are also filled with grace.”
“This is what happens when we push back — and trust God.”
LETTER OF THANKS TO MELBOURNE ROYAL SHOW
Here’s what that letter says
Subject: Thank You for Reinstating the Good News Booth
Dear Royal Melbourne Show team,
Thank you for your decision to allow the Good News Booth to return to the Show.
I really appreciate your willingness to reconsider and make things right.
Your response means a lot to many of us who value the presence of the booth and the message of hope it brings.
It’s encouraging to see that respectful, faith-based contributions are still welcome in public spaces like the Show.
I believe this decision reflects the inclusive spirit that makes the Royal Melbourne Show such a well-loved event.
Thank you again for listening and responding with fairness.
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