Religious Expression Australian

Outline Changing patterns of religious adherence from 1945 to

the present using census data
Christianity
- CHRISTIANITY: In 1947 88% of the population was
Christianpredominately Anglo-Celtic initially however changed its ethnic
diversity with immigrationthere has been a steady decline in 2011 61.1%
of population stated they were Christian

Catholics: increased from 20.9% in 1947since early 1960s and has remained stable
between 25-27% 25.3% in 2011mass attendance at 15%
Anglicans: decreased from 39.0% in 194717.1% in 20115% mass attendance
Orthodox: 0.2% in 1947steady increase up until 1970sstayed steady around 3%
since then 2.6% in 2011
Protestant: e.g. Uniting church formed in 1977 through a combination of Methodists,
Prespertirans, Congregationalists7.6% in 1986 it has fallen to (Uniting)5.0% in 2011
(Uniting)10% mass attendance
Pentecostal: has drawn many Protestants and Anglicansthey are not truly reflected in
census data0.3% in 1976 increase to1.1% in 2011mass attendance at 73%

Other religions
- OTHER RELIGIONS: largely due to immigration these religious traditions
have grown particularly eastern religionscomprised of 0.5% in
1947increased to 7.2% in 2011

Judaism: have remained quite steady since the beginning of the census and 0.4-0.5%
Buddhism: rapid and fastest growing religion in recent timeincreasing from 0.2% in
1981to 2.5% in 2011
Hinduism: increased from 0.1% in 19861.3% in 2011
Islam: also increased drasticallyin 1971 were 0.7% of the population 2011 were 2.2%

No religions
- NO RELIGION: as a result of secularism and materialism this has grownin
1971 it was placed on the censusit has increased rapidly from 0.3% in
1947to 22.3% in 2011

Account for the present religious landscape in Australia in

relation to:
Christianity as the major religious tradition
- EUROPEAN SETTLERS: from the 18th and 19th centuries brought their
traditional Christian churches Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist,
Congregationalist, Lutheran and Baptist
- IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONACT(1901): the White Australian policy
stated that non-whites could only enter Australia on a temporary basis this
essentially only kept out religious traditions other than Christianity
- IMMIGRATION: as a result changed from predominately Anglo-Celtic
membership of the Christian traditionespecially post WW2 after major wars

Eastern Europe: brought their Orthodox denomination e.g. Greek Orthodox

Medeterarian Countries: Especially Italy and Malta as well as Poland
Asian: especially from Vietnam and Philippines i.e. Vietnam war
Latin America Africa:
Middle East: Eastern Catholics i.e. Maronite, Melkite, Ukranianmigrated as a result
of war

Other Stuff in relation to Christianity

- DECLINE IN CHRISTIANITY: overall however there has been a decline in
the people affiliated with Christianityfalling mass attendance Anglican
and the Uniting church been most effected
- INCREASE IN PENTECOSTAL: have increased numerically and as a
percentage of the populationhave slowed down because of the revolving
door syndrome i.e. people staying short periods then leaving
- INCREASE IN CATHOLICS: increased both numerically ad
proportionallyhigher number because

Substantial intake,
Slightly higher birth rate,
Also people who are baptised Catholic tend to identify themselves as Catholic even if the
do not practice the religion

Immigration
- IMMIGRATION: this is the most significant reason for the increase in
religious diversity in Australiabetween 1947 -1986 population increased
from 7.6 million to 15.6 million4/10 Australians are the children of
migrants
- WHY/HOW IMMIGRATION CHNAGED RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY:

Refugees from WW2: their lives and homes had been destroyed they sought to start a
new life in a safer environment

Government Sought Immigration Post WW2: believed that that nations security and
economic prosperity was at threat and wanted to increase populationPopulate or
perish (Arthur Calwell)
Decline of White Australia Policy: In 1972-73 the labour Whitlam government removed
this legislation and changed it to that of multiculturalismmade it a lot easier for migrants
Overseas Wars/Persecutions: have led to waves of migration from affected areas e.g.
Vietnam (1970s); Lebanon (1980s); Afghanistan, Bosnia and Heregovina (1990s)

Multi-faith Society (Religious Plurability)

- ISLAM: The main sources of Islamic immigration are the Middle East
(particular Lebanon, Iraq and Iran), Europe (Turkey, Bosnia and
Herzegovina) and Asia ( Malaysia and Indonesia). mainly from wars
e.g. War on terror
- BUDDISM: increased immigration from south east Asia and around the indoChinese peninsula increase mainly from instability/wars i.e. Vietnam war,
closer economic links i.e. TAFTA
- HINDU: Immigration from India and Fijiespecially as a result of civil unrest
i.e. Pakistan and India
- CHRISTIANITY: refer above
Denominational Switching
- DENOMINATIONAL SWITCHING: Denominational switching refers to the
transfer of followers from one Christian denomination to another 14% of
churchgoers will switch denominations
- PROTESTANT CHURCHES: this is more common in Protestant churches
because of lower levels of denominational loyalty in comparison with catholic
or orthodoxI dont really care what denomination it is (John
Howard)
- WHY IS THERE DENOMINATIONAL SWITCHING: (SP)

Shop Around: they shop around and based on factors such as: the minister, style of
worship, proximity to home, style of worship, sense of community and activities
Personal Needs: people are looking for the right congregation that meets their needs,
expresses their faith in culturally appropriate and meaningful ways

PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES: this is the evangelical and charismatic strand

of the Christian traditionincrease by 60% from 1996-2006 many
people have switched to them because:

Music: have contemporary music with sophisticated production/presentation e.g. Hill

songthis appeals to the younger generations who express dissatisfaction with staid
nature of worship in traditional churches
Strong Sense of Community:
Charismatic Leaders:

Rise of New age religions

- NEW AGE RELIGION: umbrella term to cover a range of spiritual beliefs and
practices aiming to foster individual fulfilment in the form of personal
happiness, health and meaning in lifeas an alternative to, or in conjunction
with, other more traditional religious practices.
- EXAMPLES:

Numerology: certain numbers and patterns of numbers hold the key to understanding
human existence
Astrology: based on reading of the stars and predictions
Yoga and tai Chi: used as forms of gentle exercisebelieved to give a peaceful and
harmonious life

WHY THEY HAVE GROWN: (DIS)

Individualistic/Liberal: in this sought of religion this type of spirituality people can pick
and choose beliefs and practices hence tailor there religion to their personal preferences
Dissatisfaction with Mainstream Religion: a reaction against the larger religions
however people still long for that spiritual dimension
Supernatural Claims: such as curing sickness, predicting the future, gaining personal
wealth

Secularism
- SECULARISM: the belief that religion should not interfere with or be
integrated into public affairs of a societypromotes the idea that society
would be better off not being controlled by religion
- WHY HAVE WE BEOCME MORE SECULAR: (DIPMDS)

Diminishing Relevance of Religious Values: into the integration and legitimating of

everyday life in societyseen through declines in church attendance, religious
affiliation, clergy numbers, religious orders
Pluralism: because we have multiple religions no single religious system in dominant
Individualism: people do not look towards traditional communities for meaning in their
life
Materialism: spirituality is ignored in favour of possessions, power, looks, fame
Disillusionment with traditional religions: for hypocrisy, use of powerlost moral
authority and respect
Scepticism towards supernatural: due to scientific progress (humanism)more
atheists and agnostics in society

Describe the impact of Christian ecumenical movements in

Australia
-

ECUMENISM: refers to the intra-faith movement towards religious unity

amongst Christian denominations

Not Uniformity: not about combining all the denominations into oneacknowledgement
of their unity in Christ rather than their diversity in practice and beliefs
Opposite to Sectarianism: which refers to division and conflict between groups within
the same religion
Enter into dialogue with others (Pope John Paul II)
Christian traditions...committed to... moving towards the full unity of all
Christians in order to offer a more credible testimony of the Gospel." (Pope John
Paul II)
CCC 811-870: this section is on unity/ecumenism and us as a universal catholic
church
for whoever is not against you is for you (Luke 9:50)

The Uniting Church (not on syllabus directly but important)

- UNITING CHURCH: it was founded in 22nd June 1977 through a merger of all
Methodists, 65% Presbyterians and 95% of Congregationalistsones of its
primary aims is ecumenism

The Basis of Union: the foundational document for the Uniting churchreason of the
mergerseeking to bear witness to that unity which is both Christs gift and will
for the church
Uniting instead of United: to convey ongoing commitment to promote ecumenism
among Australian churches

The National Council of Churches

- NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (NCCA): succeeded the ACC in
1994is an ecumenical body that aims to deepen the relationship of

member churches in order to express more visibility the unity willed

by Christ

AUSTRALIAN CHURCHES: COVENATING TOGETHER: In 2004 members of

NCCA committed to a document5 dimensions of commitment

Strengthen Unity: through different denominations in the form of work, pray and growth
15 Member churches: collaborate in a range of ways

A general commitment to common prayer

Commitment to common use of resources
Commitment to common mission and ministry
A commitment to common sacraments
A commitment to shared ordained ministries

EXAMPLES OF INITATIVES:

Christian World Service: promotes to develop a better future for people suffering from
injustice and poverty
Aid and Development: to overseas countries Africa, Asian, and Pacific e.g. House of
Welcome which was incorporated to aid refugees.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical commission

NSW Ecumenical Council

- NSW ECUMENICAL COUNCIL: it was formed in 1982consists of 16
churches throughout NSW & ACTseeks to promote ecumenism through
four major initiatives:

Reflect Upon Theology: in a united way

Local Initiatives: which promote ecumenism on a grass roots level
Social Justice Issues: Platform for different churches to address this e.g. House of
Welcome to assist refugees
Educational Indicatives: to maintain the spirit of ecumenism

Ecumenical Initiatives by Ecumenical Bodies (JELS)

- JOINT COMMISSIONS: these are formal ecumenical bodies that work to find
official agreement on issues that have often divided denominationse.g.

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES: this is on a practical level especially during

times of crisis

ARIC Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission : have held discussions on

Baptism, Eucharist, Ministry, Authority and Mary
Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1998): Lutheran and Catholic
churches signed this on an agreement of faith and good works

The Welfare Agency Christian World Services

The Palm Sunday Peace March
The Drop Debt Campaign
The Joint Response to Boxing Day Tsunami in 04
St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol

LOCAL PARISH INITIATIVES: various grassroots initiatives e.g. Inter

denominational Prayer Services and Dialogues
EDUCATIONAL INIATIVES: a good example of this initiative includes:

Sydney College of Divinity: ecumenical federation of theological colleges working

together to provide education in theology and ministry

Evaluate the importance of interfaith dialogue in multipath

Australia
-

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE: is a formal discussion aimed towards developing

greater mutual understanding between different religious traditions

Rejects: the belief that all religions are the samenot an attempt to unify religions
Better Appreciation: of the uniqueness of each otherrespecting diversity of beliefs

Importance of Interfaith Dialogue (BIOSIS)

- INCREASING PLURASTIC SOCIETY: Australia is multi-cultural/multifaithcreates respect for religious diversity essential for harmony and
peace
- OVERCOME HISTROICAL/RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS: which have led to
divisions amongst traditions e.g. Jews-Muslims (Palestine-Israel),
Christians-Muslims (Crusades)
- BREAKING DOWN STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICES: interfaith dialogue is
important for this e.g. with the war on terror, Muslim community
within Australia is suspicion and persecution
- SPEAK OUT ON COMMON ISSUES: when relationships are built shared
values can be upheld e.g. dignity of a person
- IMPORTANCE OF FAITH: in an increasing secularised societycan help
proclaim the transcendent aspects of life
- SUPPORT OF ONE ANOTHER: when the rights of one religious group is
challenged all the others are in danger as well
Specific Examples
- INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICES: occurs across a range of levels e.g. Bali
day bombing, boxing day tsunamis, Pope John Paul II held interfaith
prayer services domain Sydney in 2001
- NSW COUNCIL OF CHRISTIANS/JEWS: range of activities to provide
understanding e.g. Holocaust education
- COLUMBAN CENTRE FOR CHRISTIAN MUSLIM RELATIONS (1997): main
objective was to address misconceptions and lack of understanding between
Muslims and Christians
- THE JOURNEY OF PROMISE: young people from Christian, Jewish and
Muslim faiths share an experience of faith, traditions, worship and dialogue
they took part in workshops exploring contemporary social issues and the
responses of their religious traditions

Examine the relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and

religious traditions in the process of Reconciliation
-

RECONCILIATION: is the term given to the process whereby Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples and the non-indigenous citizens of Australia
can move into the future with a new relationship based on mutual
recognition, understanding and respect

Christianity
- ABORIGINAL CITIZENSHIP: were one of the first advocates of Aboriginal
rightsone of the most prominent leaders of the campaign for aboriginal
citizenship
- LAND RIGHTS LEGISLATION:

Whitlam governments Land rights legislation: various churches supported and

applauded the Mabo, Native Title and Wik Decisions e.g. It is vital that any
government legislation...must be characterised by justice for Australias
indigenous peoples...in response to past injustices (Anglican Archbishop of
Sydney Harry GoodHew)

AUSTRALIANS FOR NATIVE TITLE AND RECONCILATION (ANTaR): this is

a church supported community based organisation advocating indigenous
rights and reconciliation e.g. the Sea of Hands Display
FROMAL APOLOGIES: after the bringing them home report of 1997 church
groups offered formal apologiesespecially in regards to missionaries abuse
of Aboriginal peoplee.g. we commit ourselves to Reconciliation so
that we may share the equality and justice and live peacefully in
this land of Australia (NSW Ecumenical Council)
ABORIGINAL CHURCHES/CHRISTIANS: today many aboriginals have
connected Christianity with their own Dreaming and learnt more about their
own culture in the process I believe in both ways- our own and the
Christian (Badangga of Elcho Island)helps with movements towards
reconciliations
SPECIFIC TO VARIANTS:

Catholic: Churches Together Indigenous People's Partnership (CTIPP) overall purpose is

to help churches work together for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians e.g. equity and justice programs, promoting understanding of
indigenous culture and spirituality
Orthodox: Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) has recently launched
an Aboriginal Australian mission in Gunning, New South Wales, near an Aboriginal
community north of Canberra, the capital of that Commonwealth.
Anglican: The Australian Prayer Book (the most recent Anglican prayer book) includes
prayers by Indigenous people.
Protestant: Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress The Congress runs a
range of community development programs ranging from boarding schools, a
construction company, an Indigenous tourism enterprise to retirement village
Pentecostal: The Pentecostal Church of Reconciliation in Cairns (1998 set up) working
towards revival and transformation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Other religious traditions

- JEWISH GROUPS: hold a week of prayer for reconciliation each yearalso
supported the Wik decision and opposed the 10 point plan, Aboriginal
Reconciliation is about more than the land (Rabbi Raymond Apple)
- ISLAMIC/BUDDIST: The Australian federation of Islamic Councils and The
Buddhist Peace Fellowship have also made statements in support of
indigenous rights and reconciliation

Creation centred Creation centred spirituality is based on the

spirituality

notion that the divine can be found through

nature and within the self, rather than
externally in the form of a distant
transcendent higher being.

switching

The transfer of followers from one Christian

denomination to another.

Ecumenism

Movement towards unity amongst Christian

Denominational

denominations.
Interfaith

Formal discussion aimed towards developing

dialogue

greater mutual understanding between

different religious traditions

Magick

term used among Wicca devotees to

distinguish supernatural forces from other
uses of the term "magic"

New age religion An umbrella term to cover a wide range of

spiritual beliefs and practices aiming to foster
individual fulfilment in the form of personal
happiness, health and meaning in life.
Pentecostalism

A strand of Christianity that is charismatic

(has a strong emphasis on the gifts of the
Holy Spirit) and evangelical (focused on
conversion with a fundamentalist approach to
the Bible).

Revolving door

Phenomena whereby large numbers of

syndrome

Pentecostals remain with the church for a

relatively short period of time.

Speaking in

Vocal prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit in

tongues

which the sounds expressed are

unintelligible. Sometimes the Spirit may give

another person the gift of understanding this
form of prayer. This phenomenon is found in
charismatic circles and is commonly
understood as an expression of religious
ecstasy.
'White Australia' Government policy enshrined in the
policy

Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 which

aimed to exclude non-European people from
migrating to Australia. The practice of this
policy progressively declined after the World
War II until it was utterly dismantled in 1973.