From a Muslim to the Christian religious leaders of Camden who have united to oppose an Islamic school in their neighbourhood: you are right. You are right to say that the Quranic Society, the group behind the plans for the school, would eventually advocate "a political, ideological position" that you might not agree with.

Why wouldn't they? Religious schools and groups of all persuasions do this all the time. Australians can't stop anyone, including institutions such as private schools, from holding religious or political views with which they might not agree.

The idea that Australian religious groups don't hold political views is a myth, as is the idea that we keep religious views completely out of politics.

Australians like to trot out lines about the separation of church and state, but in reality the meshing of religion and politics is everywhere to be seen in our way of life.

Our public holidays are based on the Christian calendar, the Federal Government and Opposition have rejected moves to debate whether the Lord's Prayer should continue to be recited in Parliament and students are taught Christmas carols in public schools.

Australia's history is steeped in the Christian faith, but that should not mean that, as our community evolves, we cannot make room for others without it being viewed as "unAustralian".

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/room-for-more-than-one-faith-at-the-inn-20090424-ahz2.html?page=-1