I wonder how many politicians and world leaders have balls to be openly atheist and run for public office, like the new Australian PM Julia Gillard:

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.

I believe that in politics, religion shouldn’t matter at all because the work of public officials should never be influenced by personal beliefs or religious affiliations. Unfortunately, we live in an era when religious groups and leaders are openly saying that the idea of separating your personal life or beliefs from your professional conduct should not apply to government.

Australian PM says her atheism no threat to church schools, welfare [USAToday]