Minister or Preacher ?

Is it just me, or do other people have a bit of a problem with our politicians making such public appearances at religious events like the Hillsong Church's annual conference yesterday. I, for one, think this is entirely innappropriate. In addition to our possible future prime minister and the NSW premier, another 5 federal ministers were there. I don't care if our politicians attend these things, as they have as much right as anyone else to practise their faith, but to get up and make speeches on behalf of the government goes way beyond blurring the line between state and religion. I trust Peter Costello will balance this with a trip to his local Mosque or Buddhist temple, and give a similar government endorsement with as much enthusiasm as the one he gave at the Sydney SuperDome yesterday.