Media Release Tuesday May 21st, 2002

Churches co-operate to undertake major review

Six out of ten church attenders agree that their local church is always willing to try something new. This is one finding from the 2001 National Church Life Survey (NCLS), the largest survey of its kind in the world.

Taking the initiative, Australian churches are using the NCLS to review their effectiveness and to identify key priorities for the future.

The NCLS is a co-operative venture of 19 denominations across Australia. Over 435 000 church attenders completed the survey. They were joined worldwide by churches in England, USA and New Zealand.

Today, Melbourne hosted one of a series of capital city launches of results and resources. Reverend Tim Costello, President of the Baptist Church, launched the Connections for Life resources. He said, ” The launch of this survey coincides with record crowds hearing the Dalai Lama. There is no current church leader who would pull such numbers. What does this tell us about historic Christian faith’s hold on the Australian imagination? The NCLS is the best gauge we have to answer this question and find a way forward.”.

During May, over 7000 participating churches will receive a report that profiles their local situation. Many will take the opportunity to review their life and to plan for a positive future.

The Connections for Life kit of resources will assist churches to assess how effectively they assist people in their spiritual journey, as well as the strength of their connections with each other and with the wider community. Reports will also be produced for regions and for denominations.

Commenting on the first national results, Dr Ruth Powell, NCLS researcher, said, “The national profile of the churches shows solid foundations to build on. Most attenders report very favourably on their faith and worship experience and their sense of belonging. Thousands make a highly significant contribution to the wider community in terms of social action, care and welfare. At the same time, there is a challenge to strengthen effective connections with the wider community. Being willing to try new initiatives will be an important starting point”.

NCLS RESEARCH is a partnership between the Uniting Church Board of Mission (NSW), ANGLICARE (NSW), and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

For more information or to arrange an interview contact: Dr Ruth Powell, Researcher and Communications Manager NCLS Research: Mob 0413 391 301, Ph: (02) 8267 4394, Fax: (02) 9267 7316 , http://www.ncls.org.au