What is tithing and why are some devout Australians practising this ancient custom?
Fifteen years ago, Catherine Fuertes made a financial decision that would ripple through her life.
As churches are not-for-profit entities, tithing is used to support the running of an institution and associated religious or social programs. She describes how at the AGM each year, the treasurer makes a report detailing all money in and out, "even for the office supplies". The Seventh-day Adventists practise tithing, with material from the church describing it as "a test to see if we are loyal to God".Narelle Smith tithed for years with the Seventh-day Adventist Church."I was a single mum and I just couldn't afford to do it … [But] they sell it to you, saying God will bless you," she says.
"Then they blame you [for not giving]. They don't blame the system or God. There's something wrong with you," she says.So is Ms Smith's story reflective of tithing more broadly?Professor Pauline Ridge is with the Australian National University's College of Law and has researched legal regulation of religious financing.
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