Perth's Anglican Archbishop Roger Herft said it was "unhelpful and untrue" to suggest the Christian faith had a monopoly on moral integrity and cautioned against making simplistic assessments of religious beliefs in an election context. The Australian reported his comments in response to the recent press coverage of comments by Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey, who suggested Ms Gillard's atheism could cost her votes. "Any statement which portrays the Christian faith as having some type of exclusivity to be the sole arbiter on matters of moral integrity and just policy-making are unhelpful and untrue," Archbishop Herft told the Weekend Australian.
"Christians need to remind themselves that those who do not profess the Christian faith are still capable of adopting an ethical and moral framework which assists in public policy decision-making for the common good."
Archbishop Barry Hickey has said he was not telling people not to vote for Ms Gillard, but some would wonder what the future held under an atheist and it might influence their votes.
SIC: CTHAUS