Australia

Capital: Canberra

Major Language: English

Area: 7.7 million km2

Population: 26 million

HDI Rank: 8 of 189

Major Religion:

Protestant: 9.1 million (35%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 6.5 million (25.3%)

Other: 10.2 million (39.7%)

General Information:

Australia is called “The land down under” due to its position in the Southern hemisphere. Aboriginal Australians lived on the continent before the Europeans colonized it in the early 17th century. Australia was a part of the British Empire, but became formally independent in 1931. More than 90% of Australians have European roots, and a small percentage of the population are Aboriginals. The nation enjoys one of the world’s highest living standards. The country is home to more than 50 species of kangaroos. The most popular sport is cricket.

Religious Background:

Australia’s Constitution ensures the religious freedom for its residents. Almost one-fourth of Australians profess no religion. People identifying as agnostic, atheist, or non-religious are the predominantly young, urban dwellers. Though Christianity is still in majority, it is on the decline, while the other religions are increasing. This change is due, in part, to the increasing immigrants bringing with them the religion from their homelands. Materialism is fast taking over, and predictions suggest that Australia will continue to become more secular with time.

Catholic background:

The first Catholic priests arrived in 1820, and by 1891 the number grew to more than 700,000 Catholics. In recent years, Mass attendance has declined. Moreover, the clergy are aging and their numbers are decreasing rapidly. Parishes are without full-time priests, and an increasing number of parishes are being forced to close or merge. The Catholic Church includes the Latin, Chaldean, Maronite, Melkite, Syro-Malabar and Ukrainian rites. The Church is composed of 5 archdioceses, 32 dioceses and 1,378 parishes. Patron saint: Our Lady Help of Christians.

Prayer Points

1. Australians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 6.5 million Catholics in Australia.
Catholicism faces the challenge of secularism. Pray that they would not succumb to the evil influences of the culture, but rather put their trust in Christ.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring about a mighty revival, and that the gospel will go out with power and conviction, drawing many to turn to Jesus.
Ask God for His word to come alive to the Catholics, and that they will be delivered from every error and false teaching. Pray that they would know and be convicted of the truth of the gospel.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,378 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 3,115 priests, 2,138 brothers and 6,876 sisters.
Pray that any seeds of the gospel planted among Catholics would take root and bring much fruit. Ask God for spiritual movements to take place in Australia that would spread to the neighboring countries.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical growth has slowed down in recent years, with the nation becoming increasingly secular. There is discord and division within the Evangelical church. Pray for the Australian believers to stand unitedly, and boldly witness to the lost. Pray that they would be effectively trained and equipped to specifically share the gospel across the country.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Social inequality, racism and discrimination complicate people’s lives. Materialism, permissiveness and hedonism are other challenges. Pray for the truth of the gospel to combat the increased degeneration and degradation of the culture.

5. Other Religions

There is a small minority of those following Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Rastafarianism, Taoism, Scientology, and Unitarian Universalism. Ask God to capture the heart of every religious person with His glorious gospel.