You certainly seem to have been surrounded and influenced by a negative experience of Church which is, sadly, many peoples experience. It's not the whole story though. For instance, I'm the national chaplain to a group called Faith & Light which is a parish based community which supports people with learning disabilities and their families. It is a truly joyous group, filled with laughter, enthusiasm and camaraderie, all the more amazing when we consider the daily challenges these people face. Bring a part of this group allows me to cope with all the other negative stuff that can be a part of my work: the ignorance, the pettiness and the day to day problems that land at my door. This past week I've had to deal with 2 suicides as well as the passing of 2 elderly people and all that this stirs up in their families and the community. Don't get me wrong; there are so many wonderfully, truly Christian people out there (I use the term 'Christian' loosely to describe peolpe I know, some of whom aren't in the slightest bit religious, but who embody all the Christian virtues), whose hearts are filled with love and a desire to live life well at peace with all people. It's just the jerks who get all the press!
I'm looking forward to your childrens books as I've never read an Australian one so far. 



Hollywood is all about good looks, apparently. Even behind the scenes.