Archbishop questions impact of Gillard's atheism

Catholic Archbishop Barry Hickey has weighed into the Federal election, questioning whether Prime Minister Julia Gillard's atheism is a threat to the privileges afforded to churches.

"While there is no indication that the present Prime Minister will undermine the special privileges that churches enjoy, some wonder what the future will bring. This may well influence their votes," Archbishop Hickey said.

"Many Christians are concerned that someone who does not believe in God may not endorse the Christian traditions of respect for human life, for the sanctity of marriage and the independence of Churches, church schools and church social welfare agencies."

Churches enjoy a tax-free status and church schools receive billions of dollars in Federal funding.

Archbishop Hickey's comments are a fresh blow to Ms Gillard's campaign, which has faltered this week amid revelations she questioned in Cabinet the generosity of two of the Rudd government's key welfare policies - the boost to aged pensions and paid parental leave.

The Prime Minister, who is unmarried, childless and an atheist, has been at pains to present herself as family friendly over the past week as she battles Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, a Catholic and married father, in the war for the vote of Australian families.

Archbishop Hickey said he would not seek to influence the way Catholics voted, he urged people with strong religious convictions to be politically active. "Some will undoubtedly vote for Mr Abbott because they appreciate his strong Christian faith," he said.

"We have church lobbies, mostly in Sydney and Canberra, that urge both major parties to protect the activities of the church, such as our huge education sector and our welfare sector."

Data from the 2006 census showed nearly 64 per cent of Australians consider themselves affiliated with the Christian faith.

When questioned last month about her religious views, Ms Gillard said: "I am not going to pretend a faith I don't feel, and for people of faith I think the greatest compliment I could pay to them is to respect their genuinely-held beliefs and not to engage in some pretence about mine."

Uniting Church WA moderator the Rev. Ken Williams said neither the Liberals nor the ALP had been inspiring in the election campaign so far. He said it was a sign of a "healthy respect for diversity" that Ms Gillard could be honest about her lack of religious beliefs.

"In days past, to be a good citizen was to belong to the church. You did not necessarily need to be committed to the mission of the church but you were expected to attend," the Rev. Williams said.

Anglican Archbishop Roger Herft urged voters to look beyond the "30-second sound bite and the dog whistles".

University of WA philosophy professor Michael Levine, who specialises in the philosophy of religion, said Australians respected the separation of church and State.