Katy Perry's mother pleased she divorced

Katy Perry says her mother Mary Hudson "thanks God every day" that she divorced Russell Brand.

The 'Firework' hitmaker - who split from the British comic in December 2011, 14 months after they tied the knot - insists her Christian pastor parents Keith and Mary Hudson brought her up to have liberal views on relationships and they weren't upset by the breakdown of her marriage.

She is quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying: "I thank God every day for having made us all the same way and I pray for anyone who fights for freedom of speech.

"I'm pro-gay marriage and want equality between genders. My mom thanks God every day for my divorce."

However, though she was raised with liberal views on relationships, Katy's parents were strict about the cultural influences she was exposed to.

She added: "Growing up, I wasn't allowed to listen to non-religious music. Madonna, my idol, was considered worse than the devil."

While Mary may be glad Katy and Russell are no longer together, the 'Part of Me' singer's father has previously admitted to still being in touch with the 'Arthur' actor.

Keith has said: "There are no hard feelings towards Russell - I just received a text from him the other day in fact. He is a wonderful and smart guy." 

Katy and Russell's divorce was finalised in July 2012.