POINTERS December 2022

Description

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF POINTERS:

Where is the Growth in
 ‘No Religion’ Coming From?

The major finding of the 2021 Census of Population and Housing, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, was the huge rise in the numbers, and the proportion of Australians, describing themselves as having ‘no religion’. The fact that this rise was occurring amongst people of all age groups and in all parts of Australia demonstrated that this was indicative of a major cultural change. In the decade from 2011 to 2021, the numbers describing themselves as no religion doubled from 4.7 million people to 9.8 million people, which is now 39 per cent of the Australian population. It would not be surprising if at the next census in 2026 that the proportion of ‘no religion’ was greater than the proportion identifying with a Christian denomination (currently 44 per cent).

Understanding Domestic Violence and Religion: Exploring how faith-based organisations can be part of the solution

In early November 2022, a National Roundtable gathering of interested universities, churches and organisations was held at St Athanasius College in Melbourne. The gathering was organised in order to facilitate discussion about domestic violence and religion and to explore how churches and other faith-based organisations can be part of the solution in addressing the issues. The day-long gathering was also offered online.   

Christian Research Association Chair’s Report 2022

As presented to the Annual General Meeting 16 August 2022.

What Difference has COVID-19 Made to Church Attendances?

There is still no accurate data available on the difference COVID-19 has made to church attendances. Part of the issue is that COVID-19 remains a problem and some people rightly remain wary of indoor gatherings of large numbers of people. Nevertheless, in most countries around the world, most restrictions on gathering have been lifted and many people have resumed their pre-COVID-19 activities.

FORTHCOMING BOOK announcement 

Australia’s Religious and Non-Religious Profiles: Analysis of the 2021 Census Data, by Philip Hughes.