July 1, 2002

2002-169

Episcopal News Service

News Briefs Australian survey shows decline in commitment to Christianity

(ENI) A national census conducted last year shows a decline in the commitment of Australians to Christianity and a rise in the number of people who declare they have no religion. While Christianity remains the dominant faith in the nation, it is losing followers to other religions, the figures show. Buddhism and Islam are growing faster and almost 5 percent of the population identify themselves with a religion other than Christianity, up from 3.5 percent in 1996. About 25 percent said they were of "no religion" or declined to answer the question.

"We have to face these currents in society, just as we have to face the increase in materialism and privatization," said the Rev. John Henderson, general secretary of Australia's National Council of Churches. "Christianity is not, in any case, a numbers game. It is about God's love. Jesus had only 12 against the Roman Empire but it was his message and self sacrifice that counted."

He admitted that the survey does challenge the churches to self-examination. "We can't just continue in past modes. We have to reassess whether our existing structures are aiding and abetting the task of communicating the central Christian message," he said.

The survey also indicates a big decline in traditional family life. In 1971 only 36 percent of those between the ages of 20 and 29 had never been married but now this figure is 76 percent.