2001 Census Shows Growing Religious Diversity

November 28, 2003

Source: The West Australian

http://www.thewest.com.au/20031128/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto116339.html

On November 28, 2003 The West Australian reported, "The most comprehensive profile of WA's religion, language and birthplace - launched this week - reveals there are five main religions and more than 30 minor ones flourishing in WA. The profile is based on results from the 2001 census.More than 63 per cent of the population identified themselves as Christians...Buddhism is the next most practised religion, with 1.6 per cent of the population. It is also the religion which grew most significantly since the last census in 1996 with an increase of 62 per cent and a total following of nearly 30,000 people. Islam is the third most practised religion, making up 1.1 per cent of the population and enjoying 55 per cent growth to nearly 20,000 followers. About 20 per cent of the WA population, or 360,000, have no religious affiliation. In WA, there are more than 1000 people who call themselves Pagans, another 1000 or so Witches and even a couple of hundred self-confessed Satanists. Druidism is not unique to the British Isles and Rastafarians aren't only found in Jamaica - there are 138 Rastafarians and 75 Druids in WA."