An important message from our Archbishop

The Archbishop has encouraged me to write to you about the religion question in the Census, which takes place next Tuesday, 11 August.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has clarified that this question asks about religious affiliation, not how regularly someone practises or participates. Religious affiliation means the faith group with which you identify or associate.

If you attend an Anglican church, the most helpful response is therefore to select “Anglican”, rather than writing a more general description such as “Christian”. Our identity as Christians is, of course, primary, and our denomination secondary. However, for the specific purposes of the Census, selecting “Anglican” ensures that the data accurately reflects the number of people who identify with and participate in Anglican churches.

This matters because Census data informs government decisions about policy and resourcing, including areas such as chaplaincy funding.

Bishop Michael Stead and social researcher Mark McCrindle explain the issue in this short special edition of The Pastor’s Heart.

Click here to watch: Filling in the Census accurately