Christianity
Christianity is predominant in Australia. The arrival of free settlers in 1788 led to radical changes to aboriginal Australians. They introduced Scottish Presbyterianism, English Anglicanism and Irish Catholicism. Europeans arrived in missionary caravans that aimed at ‘civilizing’ and spread Christianity to the aboriginal communities. The settlers enacted the Freedom of Religion in 1901 to allow legal equality for the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Catholics. Christianity remained the main religion in the 20th century. However, the proportion dropped from 88 percent in 1996 to about 52 percent by the year 2016. The number of people identifying themselves as Catholics remained steady at 26 percent since 1996. The proportion dropped to 23 percent in 2016. Similarly, the proportion identifying as Anglicans reduced by half from 33 percent in 1966 to 13 percent in 2016. The proportion that affiliates with other denominations of Christianity experienced significant drop and continues with the downward trend to date.
Other Religions
Australia is predominantly a religious country but also have about a third (7 million) indicated not to belong to any religion. They belong neither to Agnosticism, Humanism nor Atheism beliefs. The number of non-religious has increased by 50 percent from 2011 since the year 2016.
Other than Christianity, Islam has about 600,000, Buddhist number is estimated at 560,000, Hindus is about 440,300, Sikh is 130, 000 while Judaist is around 90,000. The fastest-growing religion since 2011 is Sikhism at 74 percent while Hinduism came second at 60 percent increase (Australian Bureau of Statics, 2011). According to census 2016, the population of Sikh in Australia grew from 72,000 in 2011 to 130,000 in 2016. It grew at an average age of 14.8 percent. Majority of the Sikh dwell in Victoria State.
The 2016 census recorded as the fifth largest religion and second fastest growing. Australia experienced a growth rate of 12 percent since 2011. The first number of Hindus entered Australia in the 18 century as traders. They settled in various parts of the country especially the major cities. Presently, there are professional Hindus in various fields such as commerce, engineering, information technology, and medicine. Individuals rise to prominence and popularity such as Kamahl who is a musician. There are about 43 Hindus temple throughout Australia. The first temple, Sri Mandir Temple in Auburn Sydney was built in 1977 to cater for growing needs of Hindu Community.
Jainism ranks fourth as the fastest growing religion in the country. According to the census, there about a 6,000 and grew are a rate of 7.7% annually. About 95 percent of Jains adherents live primarily state capitals of Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney.