This week our Prime Minister made an appearance at the 2019 Hillsong Conference and prayed. In front of over 30,000 people of many cultures, many with an arm outstretched, he bowed his head and prayed for veterans, suicidal young people, people suffering from mental health, remote indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and the drought. His fundamental message was that the love Jesus showed would be demonstrated across society.

The significance of this event should be recognised. Never before have we had a Prime Minister who is so overt regarding his faith. Sure, we have had photos of PMs in the pews and various church-step interviews, but nothing that compares to this open expression of belief, passion and world view.

During the election campaign he "wore it on his sleeve", allowing media to observe him in his own deeply personal acts of worship. In the post-election analysis, it is clear that voters appreciated this window into the PM’s life and his commitment to religious freedom. The "quiet Christians" swung their votes towards Morrison in key seats, making him the first elected national leader of the Pentecostal faith anywhere in the Western world.

There are, however, many Australians who are uncomfortable with Morrison’s interactions between faith and politics. Some believe he is simply dog-whistling to his base. Others claim it is just a cover for his various "un-Christian" policies, and some are concerned about his association with what they interpret as an "evil cult".