A festival atmosphere was evident on the lawns outside Parliament House in Canberra yesterday. Thousands of people celebrated outside in the wake of Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations. Doug Hynd was there to see it.

The first opening of the Australian Parliament after the election of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s Labour Government has proved a historic moment in the history of Australia – with an apology finally being made to indigenous people.

Kevin Rudd's own values are shaped by faith, says Doug Hynd, but there are conflicting responses from within the churches to the way in which Christians should and should not engage a plural political process.

Australians have voted for change, says David Wood. The new premier is a Christian, but he points to a tradition which is outward looking and generous, not insular.

Kevin Rudd, a man who has been described by the media as "a bookish, intellectual Christian" and "a self-confessed nerd" has triumphed in the Australian general election against long term right-wing incumbent John Howard.