Australian Religions Post 1945 The Census Ecumenism Multi Faith Dialogue © Karen Devine 2008

Australia’s Multicultural Roots The number of migrants from Europe after WWII led to an increase in membership of the orthodox churches and Italian Catholics. There was also growth in the number of Jewish refugees after WWII and most settled in Melbourne or Sydney.

A Multi-Religious Society Migration has increased the numbers of Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims in Australia, as well as adding to the ethnic diversity within the Christian Churches. Australia has certainly changed from its Anglo-Celtic roots.

Details from the Census Between 1945 and the present day there has been a decline in the numbers of people identifying with the 3 largest Christian denominations. The creation of the Uniting Church in 1977 saw changes in the membership of protestant faiths. There has been an increase in the numbers of orthodox Christians. However, census data does not indicate the size of church attendance since 1945, merely who identifies with a certain faith.

The National Church Life Survey There has been a fall in church attendance for those aged under 40. Evangelical churches have seen an increase in attendance for those aged under 40. Women are seen to attend church services in greater numbers than men. Catholicism remains the largest Christian denomination. Yet, collectively there are more Protestants than Catholics.

Denominational Switching There has been free movement of people between the Anglican-Protestant traditions. People “switch around” according to their particular needs and according to where they are in their lives. Pentecostal churches have a large number of people switching in and out. The numbers of people switching in and out of Catholicism is low.

What are Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue? Harmony, peace and tolerance are required in a multicultural and multi-faith society. Ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue are needed in a modern world. Ecumenism is a Christian movement to restore unity amongst the Christian Churches. Inter-faith dialogue involves discussion between many religious traditions. The focus of these discussions is tolerance and respect.

Ecumenical Groups Internationally the World Council of Churches began in 1948 and has been a focal point in Ecumenism. Since the 1970’s there have been several points of conversation on Christian doctrinal matters in Australia such as: State Ecumenical Councils The Christian Research Association The National Church Life Survey The Interchurch Trade Industry Mission The National Council of Churches The Council of Christian Education in Schools

Ecumenical Meetings The formation of the Uniting Church in 1977 is probably the most significant evidence of Ecumenism in Australia. Despite theological differences, protestant, Catholic and Orthodox heads of Churches meet to discuss matters of Christian doctrine.

Interfaith Dialogue The arrival of the 1980’s saw the need to recognize that Australia had become a multi-faith society, not just a multi-denominational one. In 1989 the World Conference on Religion and Peace in Melbourne was a force in leading Interfaith Dialogue. The National Council of Churches and the Federation of Islamic Councils initiated the Inter-faith Appeal for Peace in 2000. Its focus was on deteriorating relationships in Indonesia. There are many inter-faith groups working in Australia.

Reconciliation Reconciliation is a return to harmony where there has been a conflict or breakdown. It is necessary due to dispossession of ATSI from their land by British settlers. The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation was established in 1991. Yet, true reconciliation is yet to occur. Some events which have occurred towards reconciliation included the 1997 Report “Bringing Them Home” into the Stolen Generation and the 1999 “Statement of Regret” from the Federal Government. The 2008 “Sorry Statement” from the Rudd Government was also a significant step forward.

Reconciliation Many Christian Churches have begun to include Aboriginal cultural practices into ceremonial aspects of church life. Yet, there remains deeply opposing views between Aboriginal spirituality and Christianity. The journey to reconciliation has stalled and some see that moves to create dialogue between Christianity and Aboriginal spirituality is merely a new form of acculturation.

Reconciliation Nevertheless, many efforts have been made by religious groups toward reconciliation with the ATSI community.

Prominent Aboriginal Citizens Some Aboriginal Christians are also prominent citizens including: Deacon Gloria Shipp (Anglican) Patrick Dodson (Catholic Priest) James Leftwich (Aboriginal Bishop) Churches have been counter cultural forums for Australians to express their voices about the failure of reconciliation.

Question Time Why do you believe reconciliation has failed in Australia?