Religious+Expression+in+Australia+-+1945+to+the+present

**Religious Expression in Australia **
// post 1945 to the present //

= = = = = = = = =**Outline the changes to religion in Australia post 1945.** = Before 1945 immigration was predominately from Britain and this continued till 1990’s. This meant majority of the Australian population was either church of England or catholic and Christian affiliations. After world war two, the relaxation of the white Australian policy. The white Australian policy was a policy that restricted the non-white immigration to Australia (1901-1973) but after the devastation of Europe the changes allowed a influx of migrants. ====Post 1945 also showed the increase of religious which were mostly Christians but with the end of Vietnam war saw again the influx of Buddhist in to Australia in the 1980’s and other conflicts in the 1990’s like the Lebanon civil war and Kosovo. Also saw the influx of Muslims. Since the relaxation of the white Australian policy saw Australian change in to a multicultural society. ==== ====During this time, there was another significant trend. The decline of traditional Christianity such as Anglican and the increase of less-traditional Christian churches and non-religion. This change has been put down to the aging population, the low birth rate, denominational switching and the rise of No religion. Catholic denomination has kept a steady congregation due to immigration and the eastern orthodox has had rising numbers also due to immigration and a younger congregation. ==== ====One of the most recent phenomenons is denominational switching. In the past many adherents would usually remain with the denomination that their parents had baptised them into, however in more recent times there has been a trend in denominational switching which has become more common. The trend has seen many people, especially the young find their denomination boring or out of touch and they would switch to more exciting and engaging denomination. This has seen the increase of Pentecostalism. They seem to capture the adherent through revivals and crusades which leads to denominational switching. Also family breakdowns and children of divorced parents are found more likely to switch. Also with multiculturalism, when a couple marry from two different denominations this usually results in one choosing to switch to the other’s denomination. ==== ====Since the 1960’s, there has been a disenchantment with mainstream religions. This can be saw the social and political acceptance and freedom that has helped the resurgence in indigenous spirituality. ====

=**Explain how inter-faith dialogue and ecumenical movements have contributed to mainstream Australia.** = Interfaith dialogue and ecumenical movements have both contributed to mainstream religious expression in Australia. Interfaith dialogue has help get a better understanding between all religious leader and adherents. Also has contributed to peace. Ecumenism has help create unity and cooperation between the Christian denomination. ====Interfaith dialogue help the cooperation between different religious traditions as all share a religious world view. It can achieve a better bond between religions when people meet each other, mutual understanding and trust and also share services to the community.Interfaith dialogue could be one way to solving the increasing threat of terrorism in recent events in the modern world. However conservatives within the religions that are involved may be the key to solving the increased threat of terrorism facing the modern world. However some conservatives within religions involved say the differences can’t be overlooked. The criticism of the interfaith dialogue sees that some religions involved need to be water downed to fit better with other religions or to cater better to each other’s needs. In many countries, some government like Australia they explain that it expects all people to living there are to respect the government constitution and to give lo the government constitution and to give loyalty to that country, have been Statements from governments stating that there is the expectation of all people living in a particular country to respect the constitution of that country and to an overriding loyalty to that country which has been criticised by religious groups that claim government are promoting and compromising their integrity by accepting to only to function in a captalist framework and recognise such things as justice, peace, women’s rights and democracy etc. Examples in Australia:The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews(2003) ,the Australian Partnership of Ethnic and Religious Organisations, 2003,Studies of Religion courses in high schools, where students of different faiths work together and The Multifaith Religious Services Centre that ran during the Sydney Olympics. ==== ====Ecumenism has the same approach as interfaith dialogue to promote unity. They approach joint initiatives like in times of crisis to help the less foranuate. These are some examples: ==== ====The National Council of Churches: This was formed after the devastation of world war II. It has 15 member churches including Anglicans, Lutherans, several Orthodox churches (Antiochian, Coptic, Greek, Romanian, Syrian), Salvation Army, Uniting Church, the Religious Society of Friends, the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Assyrian Church of the East, Churches of Christ, Congregational Federation and the Roman Catholic (since 1994). The Baptist and Presbyterian churches are two significant groups who don’t belong. ==== ====They are involved in advancing Indigenous rights, overseas aid, refugees and displaced people, women’s rights, environmental issues, youth issues, social justice issues, peace and overcoming violence. ==== ====The New South Wales Ecumenical Council: is a smaller group that includes St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Mar Thomas Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox church. The Churches of Christ, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Romanian Orthodox ====