http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Catholic-MPs-know-better-than-Pope/2007/06/20/1182019197194.html

A number of Catholic NSW MPs believe they know the church's position on stem cell research better than the Pope, says Liberal right-wing powerbroker David Clarke.

The upper house Catholic MP spoke against a bill currently before parliament that would scrap a ban on therapeutic cloning.

Members from all parties and in both houses have been given a conscience vote on the stem cell research legislation, which passed the Legislative Assembly earlier this month.

Members of the upper house are now debating the bill ahead of a vote, expected to take place within the next week.

The debate attracted additional attention after Cardinal George Pell warned there would be "consequences" for Catholic members of the NSW parliament who voted in favour of the bill.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Howard-Rudd-speak-to-Christian-audience/2007/08/09/1186530537991.html

Prime Minister John Howard hit the right notes, drawing more applause from Christians at one Sydney church while Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd won more votes - just.

Up to 100,000 Christians in 850 churches across Australia watched a live telecast from Canberra of the two leaders pitching their Christian values to the converted in a bid for votes.

About 500 Hillsong churchgoers, mostly aged 25 to 35 years, listened attentively for more than two hours the two leaders, after a rousing round of prayers for good governance and leadership.

Afterwards, five out of ten churchgoers said they would vote for Mr Rudd, while four preferred Mr Howard and one was undecided.

However, it was Mr Howard's stance on Christian identity that drew the only two bursts of spontaneous applause.

Heterosexual marriage and the affirmation of Christianity as the dominant Australian religion were apparently more popular than Mr Rudd's attack on Work Choices, climate change and foreign aid.

Indeed, Mr Rudd's support for state-based same-sex relationship registers only drew suspicion from churchgoers who feared they will only lead to gay marriage and adoption.

Mr Howard's reference to political correctness-gone-mad when citing the example of nativity scenes being banned for fear of offending other religions drew wide applause.

"I always find it odd that you have to demonstrate your tolerance by denying your own heritage," Mr Howard said to vast approval.

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Joyce attacks Rudd over religion

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Joyce-attacks-Rudd-over-religion/2007/08/10/1186530572220.html

If Kevin Rudd gets any closer to John Howard he will have to get permission from Mr Howard's wife Janette, Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce says.

The barb came after a question about the lack of distinction between the religious beliefs of Mr Rudd and Mr Howard.

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PM adds to Catholic collection plate

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/PM-adds-to-Catholic-collection-plate/2007/08/10/1186530623754.html

Prime Minister John Howard has responded to the Catholic calling, a day after addressing Australia's Christians, by pitching an extra $15 million into World Youth Day's collection plate.

The head of the Catholic Church in Australia, Cardinal George Pell, and Mr Howard recently have had talks about the 500,000 pilgrims expected in Sydney in July next year for the celebration culminating with a papal mass.

Mr Howard decided the commonwealth would contribute an extra $15 million on top of the $20 million it already has committed after a request from the Catholics for more funding for the event.

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Church using schools 'to spread message'

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Church-using-schools-to-spread-message/2007/08/14/1186857462773.html

A Pentecostal church in Melbourne is under fire for spreading its message in state schools through social events, including a Christian hip-hop concert.

A youth group within the Assemblies of God church had arranged Monday's concert featuring American group Nubian Gents.

Fairfax newspapers report a teacher based at a secondary school in Richmond, in Melbourne's inner east, said he had been threatened with suspension after saying students at Lynall Hall Community School should have been informed the concert was put on by a religious group and calling for an alternate program for students who did not want to attend.

Principal Eddie Crouch denied the threat, instead suggesting Mr Bailey go home to calm down after a confrontation with another staff member.

The teachers' union said the issue highlighted the increasing role the church plays in secular state schools.

David Molyneux, a spokesman for the church's youth arm, Youth Alive, said it had paid for the group to tour Melbourne public and private schools.

"There was nothing Christian about the concert," Mr Molyneux said. "In state schools, we never talk about religion, we talk about young people making positive choices."

Kevin Rudd thinks it does and so does Fred Nile however i am an atheist so it means zip to me
Where did you learn that this site was based on religion

eta if this is the case it will be interesting how long the Jesus H Christ thread stay up

If it is (A religious site), I don't particularly mind. I enjoy discussing religion.

And no, I don't think religion should play a part in politics, as the separation of state and church is what makes successful societies. -I might allow a bit of religion in school though... that may be a different story.

And thats where the danger of islam comes in.
Their religion rules the government, and that is dangerous, imagine a country run by the make believe idea of religion! A story made up by primitive people just to stop the fear of death.
It has no part in politics, but still, the churches seem to have their say here. ALL polititians should be Athiests.