The initiative encourages people whose lives have been shaped by faith, spirituality or religious tradition in a way meaningful to them to reflect that identity when answering the Census religion question on 11 August.
“You don’t have to be a regular worshipper to have a religious identity. Many people still feel connected to their faith even if they practise it only occasionally.
“But religion helped shape your life, your family, culture and beliefs and that deserves to be acknowledged when you complete the census”, said Archbishop Fisher.
Australian National Imams Council president Imam Shadi Alsuleiman said faith remained deeply connected to family, heritage and community for many Muslim Australians.
“There is no single standard that determines whether someone is ‘religious enough’ to identify with their faith,” he said in a statement.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive officer Michele Goldman echoed the archbishop’s remarks that the Census is an opportunity for individuals to be counted.
“Certainly in the Jewish tradition, we know being Jewish is not just about religious observance.”
“This is a quiet, powerful way for individuals to express who they are, to be represented and contribute to the wonderful multicultural fabric of our society, and make sure that Australia can continue to meet and celebrate the diverse needs of our respective faith and cultural communities,” she said.
Source: The Catholic Weekly