Religious Expression in Australia - 1945 to Present Glossary of Terms
Ecumenism
A movement among the various denominations of Christianity, that promotes the restoration of peace and unity through increased understanding and cooperative social change.
Tithing
The act of a person or an adherent of a religious body, contributing one tenth of their income to the religious body for which they belong
Interfaith Dialogue
A conversation and cooperation established between the people of different religious faiths that aims to develop familiarity and promote understanding and dialogue.
Secularisation
The act of people separating themselves from any religious influence.
New Age
A religious experience that is characterised by an interest in the body and experience, objects and rituals, both traditional and, to some extent, invented.
Interdenominational
An ecumenical event or organisation in which individuals from various Christian denominations, participate as representatives of his or her own denomination.
Non-denominational
An event or organisation in which individuals participate without reference to his or her own Christian denomination.
Denomination
A term that is used to describe the various religious sub-groups united under a common faith and name, organised under a single administrative hierarchy. This term is used to describe the various branches of Christianity (Orthodox, Anglicanism, Protestantism), the four branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist) and the two major branches of Islam (Sunni and Shia)
Census
A systematic procedure that is used to acquire and record the information and data attained from a specific populace.
Immigration
A term used to identify the movement of people, from their native country, to another country in order to enter and settle. Sectarianism
A term used to describe the bigotry, discrimination and hatred that arise amongst the various subdivisions within a religion, that focus on the differences that exist between individual denominations. This term is the inverse of ecumenism.
Reconciliation
The building of mutually respectful relations between the Indigenous and other Australians that allows Australian society collaboration of efforts to solve problems and generate success that is in the best interest of all. Achieving this is by raising awareness and knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, changing attitudes towards the negative perceptions and misunderstandings of the Aborigines.
Adherents
The followers of a religious perspective (Christianity, Islam, Judaism).
Pulpit Exchanges
When congregations swap ministers or priest for a service
Diversification
A term that is used to refer to the increase of variety. For instance, the increase of religions that exist within the religious landscape of contemporary Australia.
Anglo-Celtic A macro-cultural term that is used to collectively describes the cultures native to Britain and Ireland.
Plurality
An alternative system of church government wherein a committee makes the local assembly decisions. The commitee usually comprises of people who are considered 'elders'.
Pentecostals
A atmospheric movement within Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through baptism and the Holy Spirit.
Last update: February 8, 2010
