This week’s headlines have been dominated by the political and social fallout caused by the fatal bashing of a man associated with the Hells Angels at Sydney Airport.

The media has covered the issue extensively. Bad news for the struggling tourist industry - even the limited vision of events received worldwide attention. The mainstream British press reported on the causes of the current ‘war’. So for a deeper Christian insight into recent developments in the so-called ‘outlaw’ or ‘1%’ biker community, I interviewed Greg Hirst, Sergeant-At-Arms for the Brotherhood Christian Motorcycle Club:

1. How has the media coverage of the so-called 'bikie wars' affected you in the Brotherhood club?

It has saddened us all to see individuals and clubs that we have known and shared Christ with caught in such a spiral of hatred and violence. We spend much of our time praying and trying to encourage bikers of all descriptions to turn their lives over to Christ and adopt a more positive approach to leading their motorcycling lives. It is distressing to see them and a major part of the biker culture disintegrating like this.

2. Is the media correct in blaming the influx of young, Middle Eastern men into the biker community for the current instability?

This is a complex issue with a lot of factors to be considered, including cultural and broader social and economic issues. There has been a lot of speculation about this amongst bikers that we have talked to in recent times. Young men trying to prove themselves in any culture are often destabilising. Whether their cultural background is a significant factor will become apparent in time, especially as these conflicts appear to be being played out very publicly in the media.

3. To what extent does Brotherhood Christian Motorcycle Club minister to people in the '1 percent' biker scene?

The '1 percent' part of the motorcycle community has been a fundamental force in shaping aspects of the motorcycle culture. In many cases their contribution has been positive and has spawned many mainstream social clubs. In this mix there has also developed a distinct Christian motorcycling movement and many are involved in evangelism. Brotherhood has been active in sharing the Good News of forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus Christ for over 30 years. As part of this mission we have built friendships with many '1%ers' and others in the biker culture. We share Christ in these friendships, participating in legitimate motorcycle activity, joining in advocacy projects that lobby governments about safety and awareness issues, visit club events like bike shows where we find the 'God Stuff' just comes up. We also have developed creative evangelistic events for bikers and invite them to come and participate in some motorcycle fun. They seem to cope pretty well with our gospel messages, especially as it is sensitively presented at our bike show, at biker weddings and funerals.

4. How does Jesus offer hope in this context?

In every culture Jesus Christ offers forgiveness of sin, new life both now and eternally. Many bikers caught up in the excesses of the biker scene find it hard to understand that God could forgive them as they have been condemned, rejected and in many cases told they are not good enough to be loved by 'God'. If a biker comes to faith in Christ, forgiveness from God is guaranteed by Scripture but not by western society. Ex-outlaws may have to endure more condemnation and rejection as they rebuild their lives. Even if they are changing and even making amends for past misdeeds it doesn't mean people will forgive them. In fact they may have to work though a myriad of legal issues. A living relationship with God is a great comfort and strength as they process all this, as is support from specialised Christian motorcycle and gaol ministries.

5. I understand your autobiography 'My Motorcycling Life' has sold well in the wider bike scene. Can you explain?

Bikers love to ride motorcycles and go away to motorcycle events. When we meet we often tell our motorcycle yarns to each other, as a way of communicating our life experiences. After years of participating in this form of communication with bikers of all descriptions I decided tell some of my yarns in written form and weave my relationship with God into many of the stories. Instead of releasing the book in Christian book stores, it has been on sale in secular bookstores and motorcycle shops around the country. As you can see from the attached review from a biker group in South Australia it apparently has made an impact outside Christian circles. Mind you some of my experiences are personally embarrassing, something that many motorcycle riders can relate to. I have met some famous people such as Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett and actor Eric Bana in my motorcycle travels. The most exciting part though has been sharing the message of Christ in a way that bikers would read and take on board.

****
Extract of review by Harald Lindemann from the Motorcycle Riders Association of SA publication Centrestand

Greg Hirst has been a significant figure in Australian motorcycle politics for a long time, his work with the NSW Motorcycle Council over the years is probably where most of us know him best, but other aspects of his life are just as significant.

As a biker I identified with a lot of what he relates about the motorcycling lifestyle; the bikes, the rides, the characters, the camaraderie, the generosity, the acceptance that is found within motorcycling circles.  The book is full of stories that illustrate this.  Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, sometimes heartbreaking, but always close to home. His life has been one of extraordinary energy and activity and this especially comes out when he talks about his work with the homeless and the people, both famous and unsung, who helped him along the way.