Globalization and recent changes in the demography of Australian religious groups: 1947 to 2001

Globalization along with the events of September 11 2001 and the bombings in Bali have focussed attention on religion. In a context where knowing the demography of religious groups has become critical, Australia’s five yearly censuses include a question about religious identification providing a moving snap shot of Australia’s changing religious profile. Changes from 1947 to 2001 are the product of a decline in identifications with mainline Protestant groups, and the rise of Catholics, the Orthodox, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. Much of the change can be attributed to various forms of globalization — the migration of religious persons, groups and ideas. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s