Christianity

As the
Major Religious
Tradition
By: James Boothby
 The First Fleet

When Australia was first colonised by the British, Christianity, mainly in the form of the Church of
England, made its way to Australia.

In 1986, the Australian Census confirms that the Catholic church was now the dominant belief,
surpassing anglicanism. This domination stayed this way until today.

Since it was the British that came to Australia, Christianity was basically the sole faith until
immigration from other countries was allowed.

Immigration laws made drastic changes with the official abolition of the White Australia policy in
1966
Changes in Christian Denominations in Australia

Church of England (Anglican) decreased from 39% of population in 1947 to 18% in

2006

Catholicism has risen from 20% in 1947 to 25% in 2006

Christianity has decreased, yet remains most popular religion in Australia (64%
Christian)

Traditional Churches (Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist) experienced

downturn losing 15% since 1996

Newer Pentecostal Church had 25% increase since 1996 but also the largest
numbers of switchers in and out of the faith

Baptist, Catholic, Orthodox Churches had significant increases of up to 8% since

Accounting for changes in the Christian
Population

The most significant reason for the increase in the diversity of the religious character in
Australia is immigration it has led to an increase in both religious coexistence and
diversity.

An increase in Christianity was due to the abolishment of the White Australia

Policy and introduction of immigrants from Britain.

World War II meant increasing migration from Europe. This in turn led to:

Growth of Orthodox Christians

The establishment of new Protestant traditions

Growth in the number and diversity of Catholics.

 Christianitys Role in Australias Population in
1945

Christianity was one of the original religions introduced into Australia by the British, with
Anglicanism making up most of the population. This is important as this would be brought
up into generations following

In 1945, Christianity had a major role as the government provided for their people. There
were official and unofficial government policies that provided:

Support; when people are in times of need or neglect

Wealth; when in debt or having money trouble

Guidance; when people dont understand what life gives

Religion was a main way to have clear vision in life when people were not sure what they
 Christianitys Role in Australias Population in 2016

As of 2016, Christianity still makes up more than half of the population. Although it is there is a
decline in numbers factored by death, conversion to another religion and even conversion to
non religion.

Christianity has also declined due to the introduction to the variety of different religions. This is
from the immigration from overseas, where people bring their religion and introduce it to
spread their word.

Christianity has become less relevant as other religions have had their uprising or even the
interest of religion has dropped altogether. Christianity is still used throughout Australia as
tradition, but at the rate its declining and the rate other religions are growing, another religion
may hold the dominant belief.