Whether it's pressuring Telstra over same-sex marriage or receiving tax breaks, organised religion has enjoyed a fair amount of power. Polling suggests that could be about to change, writes Hugh Harris. Source: The Church and its weakening grip over Telstra and taxes News that Telstra
A new poll by market research firm Ipsos has found that only 19.5 per cent of Australians are in favour of religious organizations having tax free status. The study asked if ‘churches and other basic religious organisations should continue to have tax-exempt status to advance religion
Religious groups are not taxable. No wonder there’s no transparency in how their billions of dollars are spent. Source: Religion's tax break is a cross we shouldn't have to bear Whether or not you are a practising Christian, Easter is a time to think about religious traditions.
The Editor, The Age Dear Sir, Progress in human affairs has always been achieved by the courageous. Think Martin Luther King, the suffragettes, our own Eddie Mabo. The Medical Board of Australia may be doing their duty, telling Dr Rodney Syme to not do anything "with the primary purpo
Hugh Harris takes up the former Prime Minister’s latest intervention into the debate around religion and politics. Source: John Howard’s Christian Right Feels Silenced, And They’re Telling Anyone Who’ll Listen - New Matilda “People are too scared to speak”, claims ex-Prime Minister Jo
Only a faith that moves can re-energise the cultural vitality of Christianity in a post-Christian climate. Fluffy values with a sprinkling of Bible stories inoculate children against adult curiosity about Christ. Source: Special Religious Instruction is inane, but comparative religion
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will change the census form to put the 'no religion' option at the top of a question about religious denominations, rather than at the bottom of the list. It's part of an attempt to eliminate perceived bias about the option. Source: Moving "No Relig
Next year's census has been reformatted. Some think it will provide a more accurate snapshot of Australia’s religious make-up; others reckon it will unfairly skew the results. Source: The war over "no religion" on the 2016 Australian Census - Religion and Ethics Report - ABC Radio Nat