Christianity is the religion with which most people in Australia are affiliated according to the five yearly Australian census. Australia is also, however, a highly secularised country with the proportion of people identifying themselves as Christian declining from 96.1% in 1901 to 63.9% in 2006^[1]. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... The logo of the 2006 Australian Census The Australian census is administered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics every five years. ... This article concerns secularity, that is, being secular, in various senses. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is...

British and European colonisation of Australia from 1788 brought Christianity with it, the early European groups were predominantly Roman Catholic found amongst Irish convicts and Anglican among other convicts and their gaolers. Other groups were also represented, for example, among the Tolpuddle martyrs were a number of Methodists. // Following the loss of the American Colonies, Britain needed to find alternative destinations that could take the population of its overcrowded prisons. ... 1788 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ... The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century British labourers led by John Barnwell who were arrested for and convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. ... For other uses, see Methodism (disambiguation). ...

Since the 1800s immigrants have included a broad range of Christian denominations and many of these now operate autonomously from the overseas founding denominations. Immigrants brought their own expressions of Christianity with them, particular examples are the Lutherans from Prussia who tended to settle in the Barossa Valley, South Australia and in Queensland, Methodists in South Australia, with notable pockets coming from Cornwall to work the copper mines in Moonta. Other groups included the Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Baptist churches. // Invention of the Jacquard loom in 1801. ... List of Christian denominations ordered by historical and doctrinal relationships. ... For other uses, see Prussia (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that Barossa Shiraz be merged into this article or section. ... For the song, see South Australia (song). ... Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Motto(s): Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Anna Bligh (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd... For other uses, see Methodism (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Cornwall (disambiguation). ... The most commonly present source of copper ore is chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), which accounts for about 50% of copper production. ... Moonta ( ) is a town located on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia, 165 kilometres north-northwest of the state capital of Adelaide. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ... Congregational churches are Protestant Christian churches practicing congregationalist church governance, in which each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Baptist is...

With the exception of a small but significant Lutheran population of German descent, Australian society in 1901 was predominantly Anglo-Celtic, with 40% of the population being Anglican (then Church of England), 23% Catholic, 34% other Christian and about 1% professing non-Christian religions. The first census in 1911 showed 96.1 percent identified themselves as Christian. Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Arms of the Anglican Church of Australia The Anglican Church of Australia, a member church of the Anglican Communion, was previously officially known as the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania (renamed in 1981). ... The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ...

Further waves of migration and the gradual winding back of the White Australia Policy, helped to reshape the profile of Australia's religious affiliations over subsequent decades. The impact of migration from Europe in the aftermath of World War II led to increases in affiliates of the Orthodox Churches, the establishment of Reformed bodies, growth in the number of Catholics (largely from Italian migration) and Jews (Holocaust survivors), and the creation of ethnic parishes among many other denominations. More recently (post-1970s), immigration from South-East Asia and the Middle East has expanded Buddhist and Muslim numbers considerably, and increased the ethnic diversity of existing Christian denominations. This badge from 1906 shows the use of the expression White Australia at that time While there was never any specific official policy called the White Australia policy, this is the term used for a collection of historical legislation and policies which either intentionally or unintentionally restricted non-white immigration... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... Languages Historical Jewish languages Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, others Liturgical languages: Hebrew and Aramaic Predominant spoken languages: The vernacular language of the home nation in the Diaspora, significantly including English, Hebrew, Yiddish, and Russian Religions Judaism Related ethnic groups Arabs and other Semitic groups For the Jewish religion, see Judaism. ... A statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Tawang Gompa, India. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... List of Christian denominations ordered by historical and doctrinal relationships. ...

The Christian denominations and European culture have had a significant impact on Indigenous Australians, their religion and their culture. As in many colonial situations the churches both facilitated the loss of Indigenous Australian culture and religion and also facilitated its maintenance. The Culture of Europe might better be described as a series of overlapping cultures of Europe. ... Language(s) Several hundred Indigenous Australian languages (many extinct or nearly so), Australian English, Australian Aboriginal English, Torres Strait Creole, Kriol Religion(s) Primarily Christian, with minorities of other religions including various forms of Traditional belief systems based around the Dreamtime Related ethnic groups see List of Indigenous Australian group... It has been suggested that Benign colonialism be merged into this article or section. ...

Christian missionaries attempted to convert Indigenous people to Christianity. The Presbyterian Church of Australia’s Australian Inland Mission and the Lutheran mission at Hermannsburg, Northern Territory being examples. Since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, a widely-accepted definition of a Christian mission has been to form a viable indigenous church-planting movement. ... In general, conversion is the transformation of one thing into another. ... The Presbyterian Church of Australia is the largest Presbyterian denomination in Australia. ... The Australian Presbyterian Mission was founded by the Presbyterian Church of Australia to reach those beyond the furthest fence with Gods Word. ... Lutheran Church of Australia is (LCA) has a similar background to that of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. ... This article deals with the community in Australia. ...

Social and political engagement

A number of Christian denominations are significant providers of social welfare (including residential aged care and the Job Network) and education in Australia, Australia wide these include The Salvation Army, the Uniting Church’s UnitingCare Australia and the Wesley Missions, the Anglican Church of Australia’s Anglicare and the Roman Catholic Church in Australia’s Centacare. Hillsong Church's Hillsong Emerge is a local example in Sydney, New South Wales. ... Elderly care or simply eldercare is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. ... The Job Network is an Australian Government funded network of services, community based, religious and commercial, providing support and training to Australians seeking employment. ... Educational oversight Federal Minister for Education DEST Julia Gillard National education budget $40. ... Shield of The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a non-military evangelical Christian organisation. ... UnitingCare Australia is the Uniting Church in Australias (UCA) umbrella community services body. ... Wesley Mission is a name used by several members of the Uniting Missions Network, an arm of the Uniting Church in Australia. ... Arms of the Anglican Church of Australia The Anglican Church of Australia, a member church of the Anglican Communion, was previously officially known as the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania (renamed in 1981). ... The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Hillsong Church logo. ... ... This is about the city of Sydney in Australia. ...

There are substantial networks of Christian schools associated with the Christian denominations and also some that operate as parachurch organisations. These range from elite, high cost schools to low fee locally based schools. Denominations with networks of schools include: Many organisations set up in the last few centuries by evangelical christians are interdenominational and called parachurch organisations See also Neo-evangelical parachurch organisations Subcategories There is 1 subcategory to this category. ...

• Anglican
• Roman Catholic
• Lutheran

A number of current and past politicians present themselves as Christian in public life, these include:

• Federally: Christopher Pyne (Roman Catholic, Australian Minister for Justice), Tony Abbott (Roman Catholic, Australian Minister of Health), Steve Fielding of Family First, and previously Brian Harradine, Tasmanian independent (1975-2005), Brian Howe Labor Deputy Prime Minister (1991-1995) and Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister since 2007)
• State: Fred Nile and Gordon Moyes in the New South Wales Legislative Council, Andrew Evans in the South Australian Legislative Council and Joh Bjelke Petersen Premier of Queensland (1968 to 1987).

A number of current and past media personalities present themselves as Christian in public life, these include Brooke Fraser, Jeremy Shum, Dan Sweetman, and Guy Sebastian. Hon Christopher Pyne Christopher Maurice Pyne (born 13 August 1967), Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives since March 1993, representing the Division of Sturt, South Australia. ... For other people called Tony Abbott, see Tony Abbott (disambiguation). ... Steven Fielding (born 17 October 1960), Australian politician, is parliamentary leader of the Family First Party. ... The Family First Party is a political party in Australia. ... Brian Harradine (born January 9, Australian politician, has been an independent member of the Australian Senate since 1975, representing the state of Tasmania. ... Brian Leslie Howe, AM (born 23 January 1936), Australian politician, was Deputy Prime Minister in the Labor government of Paul Keating from 1991 to 1995. ... Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957), is the leader of the federal Australian Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Parliament. ... Frederick John Nile (born 15 September 1934), Australian politician and clergyman, is a member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Australia. ... Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC Rev the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC (b. ... The Legislative Council, or upper house, is one of the two chambers of the parliament of New South Wales in Australia. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... The Legislative Council chamber circa 1939 The Legislative Council, or upper house, is one of the two chambers of parliament in the Australian state of South Australia. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... List of Premiers of Queensland Before the 1890s there was no formal party system in Queensland. ... Brooke Gabrielle Fraser (born December 15, 1983 in Wellington, New Zealand) is an award-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter. ... Image:Toasted dan. ... Guy Theodore Sebastian (born October 26, 1981) is an Australian singer-songwriter and winner of the first Australian Idol TV talent competition quest in 2003. ...

Denominations

Church affiliation

The churches with the largest number of members are the Roman Catholic Church in Australia, the Anglican Church of Australia and the Uniting Church in Australia. Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are growing fast, with megachurches, predominantly associated with Australian Christian Churches (the Assemblies of God in Australia), being found in most states (for example, Hillsong Church and Paradise Community Church). ^[2] The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Arms of the Anglican Church of Australia The Anglican Church of Australia, a member church of the Anglican Communion, was previously officially known as the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania (renamed in 1981). ... Logo of the UCA The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was formed on June 22, 1977 when the Methodist Church of Australasia, Presbyterian Church of Australia and Congregational Union of Australia came together under the Basis of Union document. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Athanasius · Augustine · Constantine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Calvin · Luther · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Pentecostal... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The charismatic movement began... The interior of Rev. ... Australian Christian Churches logo Australian Christian Churches (formerly Assemblies of God in Australia, also known as AOG and ACC) is the Australian organisation of the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal denomination originating in the United States of America. ... For other uses, see Assemblies of God (disambiguation). ... Hillsong Church logo. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Arms of the Anglican Church of Australia The Anglican Church of Australia, a member church of the Anglican Communion, was previously officially known as the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania (renamed in 1981). ... Logo of the UCA The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was formed on June 22, 1977 when the Methodist Church of Australasia, Presbyterian Church of Australia and Congregational Union of Australia came together under the Basis of Union document. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ... The Reformed churches are a group of Protestant denominations historically related by a similar Zwinglian or Calvinist system of doctrine but organizationally independent. ... you are a bum face ... Lutheran Church of Australia is (LCA) has a similar background to that of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Athanasius · Augustine · Constantine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Calvin · Luther · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Pentecostal... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... The term Oriental Orthodoxy refers to the churches of Eastern Christian traditions that keeps the faith of only the first three ecumenical councils of the undivided Church - the councils of Nicea, Constantinople and Ephesus. ...

Church attendance

While church affiliation identifies the largest denominations, church attendance identifies the most active Christian denominations. The National Church Life Survey researches church attendance through a survey done in over 7000 congregations every Australian Census year. The Roman Catholic Church represents the highest number of church attenders, with over 50 percent. Whilst church attendance is generally decreasing the Roman Catholic Church in Australia is growing at a rate of 13 percent. Pentecostal denominations such as Australian Christian Churches and Christian City Churches continue to grow rapidly, growing by over 20 per cent between 1991 and 1996. Some Protestant denominations such as the Baptist Union of Australia and the Churches of Christ in Australia grew at a smaller rate, less than 10 per cent, between 1991 and 1996. ^[3] The logo of the 2006 Australian Census The Australian census is administered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics every five years. ... The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Australian Christian Churches logo Australian Christian Churches (formerly Assemblies of God in Australia, also known as AOG and ACC) is the Australian organisation of the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal denomination originating in the United States of America. ... CCC Logo Christian City Churches International Christian City Churches are an evangelical, pentecostal church movement founded by Pastors Phil Pringle and Chris Pringle. ... you are a bum face ... The Churches of Christ in Australia is part of the Restoration Movement. ...

The Roman Catholic Church in Australia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Arms of the Anglican Church of Australia The Anglican Church of Australia, a member church of the Anglican Communion, was previously officially known as the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania (renamed in 1981). ... Logo of the UCA The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was formed on June 22, 1977 when the Methodist Church of Australasia, Presbyterian Church of Australia and Congregational Union of Australia came together under the Basis of Union document. ... you are a bum face ... Australian Christian Churches logo Australian Christian Churches (formerly Assemblies of God in Australia, also known as AOG and ACC) is the Australian organisation of the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal denomination originating in the United States of America. ... The Churches of Christ in Australia is part of the Restoration Movement. ... Lutheran Church of Australia is (LCA) has a similar background to that of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. ... The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ...

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics logo The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the Australian government agency that collects and publishes statistical information about Australia. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 86th day of the year (87th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jana Wendt (born 9 May 1956 in Melbourne, Australia) is a leading television journalist in Australia. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Sunday is a public affairs program on Australian television. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• National Council of Churches in Australia
• National Church Life Survey Research

Australian denominations

• Anglican Church of Australia
• Antiochian Orthodox Church
• Australian Christian Churches (Assemblies of God)
• Assyrian Church of the East
• Baptist Union of Australia
• Christian Reformed Church of Australia
• Churches of Christ in Australia
• Congregational Federation of Australia
• Coptic Orthodox Church
• CRC Churches International
• Greek Orthodox Church
• Lutheran Church of Australia
• Religious Society of Friends
• Revival Centres International
• Roman Catholic Church
• The Salvation Army
• Syrian Orthodox Church
• Uniting Church in Australia
• Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia
• Australian Fellowship of Faith Churches and Ministers Int.

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