POINTERS March 2023

Description

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF POINTERS:

Ministers of Religion and Other Providers of ‘Religious’ Services in Australia 2021

The Australian Census of population and Housing has a category of occupation which is described as ‘Ministers of Religion’. It appears that a range of people are included under that title including priests, lay associates and pastors who assist with religious communities… Listed specialisations include Aboriginal ceremonial celebrants, imams, monks, priests, rabbis, Salvation Army officers and chaplains. However, it does not include the 1,000 people who recorded their primary employment as celebrants, presiding over weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. At the same time, the category excludes people whose major role is in teaching or administration, even if they have the title Reverend or Father. Nor does the Census figure include people who do such work, but not as their primary paid occupation.

A Comprehensive Review of Religiosity in Australia: Part 1 Personal Faith According to the Numbers by Neil Francis, published by the Rationalist Society

It is good to see The Rationalist Society putting some effort into doing research on religion in Australian society. It is certainly timely as increasing numbers of Australians have ‘no religion’. The scope of the three-volume report is huge, covering everything from the nature of religion, the potential benefits of religion, to the consequences of religion. This article deals with the first report.

Tribute to Rev Emeritus Professor Alan Black

The Rev Emeritus Professor Alan Black died on Tuesday 28 February 2023, aged 85. His health had been deteriorating over the past couple of years, but particularly since November 2022. Prof Black played a significant, although indirect, role in the development of the Christian Research Association.