Have the lines between politics and religion become blurred? Secular Party candidate Christopher Owen is campaigning for the necessary separation of Church and State. Jennifer Lush reports.

Image: Chris Owen

Seriously contesting the seat of Sydney is not the focus of Christopher Owen’s campaign. As the election showdown draws to a close, the 30-year-old from Balmain is worried that politicians are taking their religion into Parliament.

He says that certain religions are favoured by governments – something reflected in their policy making – and argues that secularism is the best and fairest system for all.

But with so much attention on Tony Abbott’s beliefs (and Julia Gillard’s lack of them), there is a clear public interest in the issue.

Owen explains why Australian voters are so fascinated by the faith of their leader.

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