Prime Minister Julia Gillard, a declared atheist, has written an open letter to ‘Faith Communities’ in the wake of the Queensland floods.

The letter, published on her PM’s blog, spoke of her experiences visiting flood affected areas.

“In recent days I have seen all Australians contribute in their own ways to flood relief in Queensland, from picking up a shovel in a flooded house to passing around the hat in a workplace to organising sporting and cultural events as fundraisers. I want to particularly acknowledge everything that faith communities all over Australia are doing to assist.”

Photo: The Prime Minister speaking to Salvation Army helpers at a flood evacuation centre

In the wake of disasters such as the New Zealand mine tragedy, Ms Gillard seemed to be at pains not to use phrases such as “Our prayers are with them”, choosing instead neutral terms such as “our best wishes”.

In her letter however, she acknowledges “Many flood victims I have met are also very grateful for the prayers that people of faith have been making. I know many churches specially dedicated Sunday, 16 January to pray for the flood victims, and that other faith communities will have similar observances in coming days.”

Thank you to churches

The Prime Minister spoke of her travels in Queensland and the use being made of church centres “I have visited a church being used as an evacuation centre and seen the work being done amongst those in evacuation centres by church leaders. Faith-based charities have given crucial help to those in need.”

“So as Prime Minister can I offer this simple thank you to Australian faith communities for everything you are doing. No good work is wasted at a time like this.” the Prime Minister concluded.