Series
Keeping the faith
The Age has analysed a decade’s worth of census data for a series exploring how Victoria’s religious communities are attracting worshippers in an increasingly secular Australia.
These religious groups are flourishing as atheism takes hold
In a series, The Age explores why Christianity is declining and atheism is growing, while the faithful flock to Pentecostal megachurches, temples and mosques.
- Melissa Cunningham and Craig Butt
The flocks of these faiths are expanding as Australians turn their back on the church
In the suburbs, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism are flourishing as Christianity plummets in a society with more atheists than ever.
- Melissa Cunningham
It’s loud and Insta-friendly. Step inside the world of ‘cool Christianity’
The Pentecostal faithful are flocking to sermons by pastors in ripped jeans and tearing up at rock concerts. It’s a far cry from empty pews in many Anglican and Catholic churches.
- Melissa Cunningham
‘Search for light in darkest times’: A Melbourne rabbi’s Passover wish in the shadow of war
The number of Jewish worshippers is stagnating, but a strong cultural identity is flourishing, even among secular Jews.
- Melissa Cunningham
‘I have this purpose’: Why Islam is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing religions
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in Australia and South Asian migrants are surpassing the faithful of Middle Eastern background.
- Melissa Cunningham
Other series
Life in the burbs
We’re celebrating Sydney’s suburbs and local writers have been penning pieces about the neighbourhoods they know best. Read all their stories here.
- 8 stories
Australia’s baby bust
The fertility rate in Australia is at a record low. We explore why we’re having fewer babies – and what that means for the country’s future.
- 15 stories