Why does the media focus so much on a politicians religious views?

The Australia prime minister: Julia Gillard, is an unmarried athiest. This received quite a bit of media attention in Australia. When our previous PM, Kevin Rudd, was elected, the morning after his victory he was filmed leaving a church with his family. He seemed to want to be filmed leaving the church. It was almost like he was happy that voters could see he was a church goer. In this age however, in our secular Western society, why do politicians and the media relate religion to political ability. I understand politicians aim to win over as many voters as possible, including the conservative vote; but showing off your religious fidelity to get these votes leads to cynicism in voters. What are your opinions? Do you care if your president or prime minister is a Christian, athiest, agnostic, Muslim, Jewish?