The ultra-conservative city in southern Queensland has long been considered one of Australia's most religious communities, but the latest census shows attitudes are changing.
Pastor Bill Whyte has been answering the call of God for more than 20 years in "Christ-centred" Toowoomba in southern Queensland.The number of Catholics remains stable due to new migrant communitiesThe ultra-conservative city has long been considered the heart of Australia's "Bible belt", but the latest census results show the city is shrugging off that title as fewer people identify as religious.
The 2021 Census shows Catholicism remains the region's dominant religion. The number of worshippers remains relatively stable, with 20 per cent saying they belong to the Catholic Church compared to 20.7 per cent in 2016. "Adelaide lays claim to being the city of churches, but I think [Toowoomba] could probably take a close second there.
"Toowoomba is really not a backwater ... it's actually a national example of how you can have progressive, constructive change in society."Professor Harmes said the results also mirrored changes happening nationally."Many churches may, for example, hold views on marriage equality that may be out of step with younger people.Catholic Bishop Robert McGuckin said the number of worshippers had stayed stable due to an influx of migrants from countries such as the Philippines.
Dr Charles-Edwards said the census data did not explain what was behind the change, but it was likely a combination of people deciding not to follow religion and an influx of migrants who did not worship a god.