“There are cultural reasons why innovations in church life are welcome in Australia. Australians place a high cultural value on innovation and ingenuity. A British general commented in World War I, ‘If the world fell apart tomorrow, an Australian would put it back together … with three bits of string and a length of fencing wire.’ He had seen Australian creativity in the face of hopeless odds and learned to appreciate it. Today there is a longing for new Australian expressions of church rather than relying on imported denominational heritage from Europe or new modern models from North America. Australians value authenticity and show a fair share of anti-institutionalism, a leftover from our convict colonial past. We value religion that makes a difference in society and expresses itself in meaningful community care beyond the walls of the church. Historically, Australia’s relationship between church and culture has been different than than North America. While the United States faces the decline of civil religion, and Canada experiences rapid secularisation, Australian churches have not had as close and enduring a relationship with government and general culture. It could be said that Australia started as a post-Christendom settlement where the church has always struggled to be at home. There is a pressing need to foster creative ways to connect the church with Australians.”

Darren Cronshaw