Pray for: Australia

Modern changes in Australia bring strains and tensions to the nation. Immigration created a multicultural country, especially in larger cities. Ethnic and religious minority groups grow quickly. 28% of Australians were born overseas! This diversity blesses the nation, but strains the attitudes of the people toward refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants who come. The recent massacre of Jewish people at a Hanukkah celebration by radicalized Muslims shows the sad reality that Australia’s location does not insulate it from the hate and violence emanating from elsewhere. Australia provides stability and peacekeeping to other Pacific and Asian countries such as Timor, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, and others. Thank God for the ability and will to save lives abroad. Pray that believers might engage their diverse society in a productive and meaningful way, including reaching those from other backgrounds with the good news of Jesus.

The Church in Australia faces a mighty challenge. The strong influence of Christianity declined as the country became more diverse in religions, and became more secular in its public life and laws. Many Australians see the Church as intolerant, abusive of its power, and anti-progressive in its values. A series of scandals and corruption in Hillsong and other highprofile churches accelerated disillusionment and disgust with Christianity. Only 44% of the population claimed to be Christian in 2021, down from 71% in 1996! From 2016-2021, Christianity declined by over 1 million people, and by the 2026 census, “No Religion” will almost certainly become the largest group in Australia. Pray for revival in the Church that will affect every area of Australian society.