Separation of church and state? What's that? The following resolution was passed by Baulkham Hills Shire Council at their meeting this week:

In appreciation of the time taken by the various Ministers of religion who lead Council’s civic prayer prior to each Council meeting, Baulkham Hills Council will donate the sum of $250 to that Minister’s congregation for each time the Minister leads the civic prayer. The donation will be made to the Minister’s congregation in the shortest possible timeframe after the Minister has lead the civic prayer.

(Source: Council Meeting Minutes, 28.2.06 - PDF.)

The motion was carried by 6 votes to 4.