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Australia is a secular country with a high degree of religious freedom and diversity. Introduced by British settlers during colonisation, Christianity is the most common religion in Australia, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census. The popularity of Christianity in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including the country's historical context, the influence of religious institutions, and the integration of Christian art and music into Australian culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Christians in Australia | 43.9% (2021 census) |
| Largest Christian denominations | Catholic (20%) and Anglican (9.8%) |
| Other Christian denominations | Uniting Church (2.6%), Eastern Orthodox (2.1%), Presbyterian and Reformed (1.6%), Baptist (1.4%), Pentecostal (1.0%), Lutheran (0.6%) |
| History of Christianity in Australia | Introduced by British settlers during colonisation in 1788 |
| Christian influence in Australia | Social welfare, education, hospitals, aged-care facilities, schools, charities, music, art |
| Religious freedom in Australia | High degree of religious freedom and diversity |
| Separation of church and state | Protected by the Australian Constitution of 1901 |
| Religious affiliation trends | Decline in Christianity, increase in non-Christian religions and those with no religious affiliation |
| Impact on Indigenous populations | Profound impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional beliefs and practices |
| Christian organisations | Catholic Social Services Australia, St Vincent De Paul Society, Anglicare, UnitingCare Australia, Salvation Army |
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What You'll Learn
Christianity's introduction to Australia by British settlers in 1788
Christianity is the largest religion in Australia, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census. The first presence of Christianity in Australia began with British colonisation in what came to be known as New South Wales in 1788.
Christianity was introduced to Australia by British settlers in 1788, when the First Fleet of British convict ships arrived in Sydney. The Reverend Richard Johnson of the Church of England was licensed as chaplain to the Fleet and the settlement. Chaplain Johnson led what is regarded as his first service under a tree in Sydney Cove on the first Sunday after his arrival, 3 February 1788.
Christian music arrived in Australia with the First Fleet of British settlers in 1788 and has grown to include all genres, from traditional Hymns of Praise to Christian Rock and country music. St Mary's Cathedral Choir in Sydney, originating in 1817, is the oldest musical institution in Australia.
Christian art in Australia also began with the arrival of the first British settlers at the end of the 18th century. During the 19th century, Gothic Revival Cathedrals were built in the colonial capitals, often containing stained glass artworks, as can be seen at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney and St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne.
The Christian footprint in Australian society and culture remains broad, particularly in areas of social welfare and education provision and in the marking of festivals such as Easter and Christmas. The Australian Constitution of 1901 protects freedom of religion and separation of church and state, but the Church of England held legal privileges in the early British colonial period, when Catholicism was suppressed. Sectarianism was a feature of Australian politics well into the 20th century, and there was collaboration by the church and state in seeking the conversion of the Indigenous population to Christianity.
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Christian art, music and literature in Australia
Christian Art in Australia
The story of Christian art in Australia began with the arrival of the first British settlers at the end of the 18th century. During the 19th century, Gothic Revival Cathedrals were built in the colonial capitals, often containing stained glass artworks, as can be seen at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney and St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. Rupert Bunny (1864–1947), one of the first Australian painters to gain international fame, often painted Christian themes.
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture has some beautiful Christian artwork on display. The centre features paintings such as Seasons of Birth Diptych (2016) by Fan Dongwang, Breathing Space 1: Into the New Creation (based on resurrection) by Dr Ella Whateley, and Falling (Triptych 2010) by Euan Macleod.
Canvas Prints Australia offers over 300 Christian wall art designs, including Bible verse prints, Jesus artwork, and cross wall decor. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the spiritual messages and timeless stories found in the Bible.
Christian Literature in Australia
Christian literature in Australia is extensive. During colonial times, the Benedictine missionary William Ullathorne (1806–1889) was a notable essayist writing against the Convict Transportation system. Later, Cardinal Moran (1830–1911), a noted historian, wrote a History of the Catholic Church in Australasia. More recent Catholic histories of Australia include The Catholic Church and Community in Australia (1977) by Patrick O'Farrell and Australian Catholics (1987) by Edmund Campion.
Notable Christian poets have included Christopher Brennan (1870–1932), James McAuley (1917–1976), and Bruce Dawe (1930–2020). Dawe was among Australia's foremost contemporary poets, noted for his use of vernacular and everyday Australian themes. Many Australian writers have examined the lives of Christian characters or have been influenced by their Christian educations. For example, Tim Winton's early novel That Eye, the Sky tells the story of a family's conversion to Christianity in the face of tragedy. Australia's best-selling novel of all time, The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough, writes of the temptations encountered by a priest living in the Outback.
The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award is given annually to an original book written by an Australian citizen. The award recognises and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing.
Christian Music in Australia
Christian music in Australia has been played since the first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and forms part of the cultural life of religion in the country. Australians have contributed to a variety of Christian music genres, including liturgical music, classical music, hymns, Christian rock, country gospel, Christmas music, and contemporary cross-over music. Notable contemporary Christian music milestones in Australia include Sister Janet Mead's rock version of "The Lord's Prayer", which was the first Australian record to sell over a million copies in the United States; Jimmy Little's Royal Telephone, which made him the first Aboriginal person to attain a No. 1 hit in Australia; and Guy Sebastian's "Receive the Power", which welcomed the Pope to World Youth Day in 2008.
Historically, Anglican music was the predominant Christian musical tradition in Australia, reflecting its privileged position in the early British colonies. Early Australian composers included clerical Anglicans like George Torrance, Alfred Wheeler, and Arthur Massey. Today, Anglican music ranges widely across genres, from choral evensong to more contemporary styles. St Mary's Cathedral Choir in Sydney is the oldest musical institution in Australia, dating back to 1817.
The Catholic Church has also played a significant role in Australian Christian music. Catholic choirmaster and conductor John Albert Delany (1852–1907) was an early notable composer, producing two Masses and writing music for the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901. Sister Janet Mead's rock version of "The Lord's Prayer" achieved significant success in the United States, selling over a million copies.
The growing Pentecostal branches of Christianity in Australia have also contributed strongly to the contemporary worship music genre. Groups like Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, and Planetshakers have developed large followings within Australia and internationally, with their uplifting and engaging musical styles.
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The role of the Church of England in Australian history
The Church of England, now known as the Anglican Church of Australia, has played a significant role in shaping Australian history, particularly during the colonial period.
The Church of England was introduced to Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet of British settlers in 1788. The first presence of Christianity in Australia began with British colonisation in what became known as New South Wales. Chaplain Johnson, an evangelical priest of the Church of England, led what is considered his first service under a tree in Sydney Cove on 3 February 1788. The Church of England held legal privileges during the early British colonial period, while Catholicism was suppressed. This sectarianism was a feature of Australian politics well into the 20th century, with collaboration between church and state in the conversion of the Indigenous population to Christianity.
The Church of England was the dominant Christian denomination in Australia for much of its history. In the early 20th century, the church underwent transformations in its worship practices and internal appearances, influenced by the Oxford and Anglo-Catholic movements. These changes emphasised the sacraments and were supported by the women and upper and middle classes. By the 1920s, these changes were widely adopted, making the Church of England more distinct from other churches.
The Church of England also played a significant role in welfare and education during colonial times. The First Fleet's chaplain, Richard Johnson, was credited with providing spiritual and physical support during the famine of 1790 and oversaw schools. The church has continued to provide chaplains to various institutions, including the Australian Defence Force, hospitals, schools, and prisons.
The Church of England's Anglicare network is actively involved in social services, providing emergency relief, aged care, family support, and assistance to the homeless. Additionally, there are around 145 Anglican schools in Australia, catering to over 105,000 students. The church has also been involved in advocating for various social issues, including indigenous rights, international security, peace, justice, and poverty alleviation.
On 24 August 1981, the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania officially changed its name to the Anglican Church of Australia, becoming autocephalous and headed by its own primate. Despite the name change, the church remains an integral part of Australia's religious landscape, with 9.8% of the population identifying as Anglicans in the 2021 census.
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The Catholic Church as Australia's second-largest provider of social services
Christianity is the largest religion in Australia, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census. The Christian population has been steadily declining over the past century, down from 96.9% in 1921. The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in Australia, with 20% of the population identifying as Catholic.
The Catholic Church is the second-largest provider of social services in Australia, after the government. Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is the peak national body for Catholic social services, with 52-54 member organisations providing services to hundreds of thousands of people each year. Catholic Social Services Australia aids approximately 450,000 people annually, while the St Vincent de Paul Society has 40,000 members, forming the country's largest volunteer welfare network. Other Catholic organisations providing social services in Australia include Centacare, CatholicCare Caritas Australia, Jesuit Refugee Service, Youth Off The Streets, and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
The Catholic Church in Australia provides a wide range of social services, including welfare, health, community, and aged care services. Catholic Health Australia is the largest non-government provider grouping of health, community, and aged care services in the country, representing about 10% of the health sector and employing 35,000 people. Catholic organisations have been supporting the needy and vulnerable in Australia through various charities and social services, aiming to empower individuals and help them improve their lives.
The Catholic Church also has a significant presence in education, with 1,700-1,738 schools and approximately 760,000 students in 2016, accounting for about 20.2% of Australian school students. There are also two Catholic universities in Australia: the University of Notre Dame Australia and the Australian Catholic University. The Church has helped develop and fund numerous parishes, schools, and places of worship, such as St. Mary Mackillop Catholic Primary School and Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary.
In addition to social services and education, the Catholic Church in Australia has been involved in other areas such as refugee services and advocacy for social inclusion and the safety of children, young people, and adults. The Church's efforts align with its principles of preferential options for the poor and vulnerable, inspired by the person and mission of Christ.
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The decline of Christianity in Australia
Christianity, the most dominant religion in Australia, has witnessed a steady decline over the past century. In the 2021 census, 43.9% of the population identified as Christians, a significant drop from 96.9% in 1921. This decline is attributed to various sociological factors, including improvements in education and prosperity, and internal institutional issues within the Church.
The rise of the 'thinking self' or the 'turn to the self' mentality in Western culture has contributed to this decline, as individuals increasingly view themselves as the ultimate authority on matters of faith, belonging, and sexuality, rather than accepting external religious doctrines. This shift towards individual autonomy and a 'me-focused' perspective has led to a decrease in religious adherence and a move away from traditional Christian values.
Additionally, the media's portrayal of Christianity often focuses on its more extreme elements, such as arguments against inclusivity and matters of sexual ethics. This reactionary version of Christianity may repel individuals who hold more moderate or liberal beliefs, further contributing to the decline. Furthermore, the traditional social and class associations with Christian denominations are no longer as prevalent, reducing the social incentives for affiliation.
However, it is important to note that while mainstream Christianity may be declining, there is a concurrent growth in classical evangelical churches, which adhere to orthodox Christian beliefs. These churches preach the Bible, teach about Christ, and actively practice their faith through praise and service.
Moreover, late-in-life conversions to Christianity are becoming more common, particularly among those over 55. Additionally, younger people are also exploring faith, and immigrants bring their religious beliefs to Australia, contributing to the diversity and potential growth of Christianity in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Christianity was introduced to Australia by British settlers during colonisation in 1788. It is currently the most common religion in Australia, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census.
In the 2016 census, 52.1% of Australians identified as Christian.
The Catholic Church is the largest denomination, with 20% of the population identifying as Catholic in the 2021 census.
The Anglican Church is the second-largest denomination, with 9.8% of the population identifying as Anglican in the 2021 census.
Other religions in Australia include Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Judaism. Australia is a secular country with a high degree of religious freedom and diversity.
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