Catholics Encouraged to Identify Themselves in the Census

The Census of Population and Housing, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is a “comprehensive snapshot” that reveals the changing economic, social and cultural demographics of the nation.

Religious identification is a basic variable used in socio-demographic research.

A question on a person’s religion has been included in all Australian Censuses, along with questions of country of birth and language spoken at home, because it is an important part of a person’s identity and an indicator of Australia’s cultural diversity...

National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) director Trudy Dantis said data from the religion question was crucial to helping Catholic parishes, schools, dioceses and organisations understand their communities and plan for ministry and mission.

“Census data tells us a great deal about the demographics of self-identifying Catholics in particular regions, and for this reason, it is invaluable to pastoral planning,” Dr Dantis said.

“It is also an important aspect of planning for our Catholic organisations, since many Australians seek assistance from these institutions in times of personal crisis, and for services such as schools, health care facilities and welfare.”

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