Australian PM says her atheism no threat to church
CANBERRA, Australia — New Prime Minister Julia Gillard assured Australia@@@s Christian majority on Thursday that her atheism would not affect government funding to church-run schools if she is re-elected.Gillard, who was sworn in last month and promptly called elections, was the first prime minister in the federation@@@s 109-year history to take an affirmation of office instead of swearing on a Bible."In terms of the work that the Catholic church does that other churches and religious groups do in our society, I am a big respecter and my history has been to be a big supporter," Gillard told reporters.ByREUTERS06/08/2025 07:57 AMByREUTERS06/08/2025 05:36 AMByMAARIV06/07/2025 02:33 PMByWALLA!06/07/2025 11:18 AM