Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has commended the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) in an unsolicited letter.
The letter, which CPX received from Mr Rudd last month, commends CPX's establishment as "a welcome development in the spiritual and intellectual life of Australia".
"[CPX] has the potential to make a valuable contribution to public debate in Australia " in promoting a better understanding of Christian faith in the wider community, as well as promoting greater engagement with public life and culture by Australian Christians," Mr Rudd wrote.
Established by Dr John Dickson and Dr Greg Clarke, the Centre for Public Christianity is an independent research and media organisation seeking to promote the public understanding of the Christian faith in Australia and beyond, “employing the best of scholarship via the best of media”, according to Dr Dickson.
Mr Rudd believes CPX will bring "an open, robust discussion about what we as individuals and as a society believe" into the public forum.
"There was a time in Australia when it was considered impolite to publicly discuss matters of religion and politics. It is good that those days are behind us," Mr Rudd wrote.
"I am confident that in this spirit of civility, CPX will be able to probe, provoke and challenge all of us."
Mr Rudd wrote that he "warmly welcome[d] the establishment of the Centre for Public Christianity" and was "look[ing] forward to its future contribution to Australian life in the months and years ahead".
Mr Rudd also commended CPX for being a uniquely Australian and Christian presence.
"An additional and important contribution that the Centre can make is to bring a uniquely Australian perspective on the Christian faith that is lived out by millions of Australians every day," Mr Rudd wrote.
CPX welcomes letter
Dr Dickson says he is "absolutely thrilled" that Mr Rudd would take the time to recognise CPX in this way.
"The fact that we had no idea this letter was coming is very encouraging. It serves to underline the seriousness with which the Prime Minister takes the issue of having a public discussion about Christian faith," Dr Dickson says.
"I hope it indicates a mood in Australia that allows Christianity to have the public voice it ought to."
Dr Greg Clarke says he and Dr Dickson were "thrilled and humbled" to receive the letter but not necessarily "surprised".
"I think the contribution of Christian faith to the future of Australia is being taken very seriously by people across political parties," Dr Clarke says.
"There are some very impressive Christians involved in Australian politics and we are thankful to God that people are serving in this way. The challenge is for Christians to remain faithful to Jesus as politicians increase their interest in Christianity."
Despite Mr Rudd's letter of commendation Dr Dickson wants to be clear that he is not seeking political influence for Christianity.
"The Centre doesn't hope for political influence or approval at all. We just want Christianity to have the best air time possible," he says.
"I don't think Christianity should attempt to have legislative power, but it ought to have a voice. This is the tool the Lord has given us " a persuasive voice."
Dr Dickson admits the problem of religious extremism and the grab for power of the Religious Right have historically been negative reasons for the public discussion of Christianity but he hopes people will be open to the positive repercussions of a public discussion of Christianity.
"A completely secularist view isn't satisfying. We want people to see how this view lacks the beauty and logic of the Christian perspective," he says.
"I hope this recent openness comes in part from people's hunch that there is more to Christianity than we have sometimes allowed in public discourse."
Read Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s full letter to the Centre for Public Christianity.
