1266.0 Australian Standard Classification of Religious ......The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) developed the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG)

84Coding index – numerical order3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Coding index – alphabetical order2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Supplementary codes1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A P P E N D I X E S

26Expanded structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Broad groups, narrow groups and religious groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Broad groups and narrow groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Broad groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S T R U C T U R E

18Changes to the published coding index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Changes to supplementary codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Changes to the expanded structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Changes made to the ASCRG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Method used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Purpose of the review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Need for review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S E C O N D E D I T I O N C H A N G E S

12Coding, storage and presentation of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Editing specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Coding rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Coding index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9Supplementary codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Design constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Expanded structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Reserved codes for residual categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Code scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Classification structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Classification criteria and their application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Scope of the classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Definition of religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I N T R O D U C T I O N

2Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page

C O N T E N T S

E M B A R G O : 1 1 . 3 0 A M ( C A N B E R R A T I M E ) W E D 1 4 D E C 2 0 0 5

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD CLASSIFICATIONOF RELIGIOUS GROUPS (ASCRG) A U S T R A L I A

1266.0S E C O N D E D I T I O N

For further informationabout these and relatedstatistics, contact theNational Information andReferral Service on1300 135 070.

I N Q U I R I E S

w w w . a b s . g o v . a u

De n n i s T r e w i n

Au s t r a l i a n S t a t i s t i c i a n

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) developed the Australian Standard

Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG) for use in the collection, storage and

dissemination of all Australian statistical and administrative data relating to religious

affiliation. The classification was a response to wide community interest in the religious

profile of the Australian population and the consequent need to provide quality and

consistent statistical and administrative data on religious affiliation within Australia. It was

first published in 1996.

The ABS uses the classification in its own statistical work, for example in classifying

religion data from the Census of Population and Housing. The ABS urges the use of the

ASCRG by other government agencies, community groups, and academic and private

sector organisations collecting, analysing, or using information relating to religion. This

will improve the quality and comparability of data from these sources.

This Second Edition (2005 revision) of the classification is part of a periodical review

process that aims to reflect the changes in Australia's religious profile. The review also

enabled improvements to the classification in terms of the religious groups covered and

the way in which they were grouped.

Development of the classification and its review involved extensive consultation with

users and producers of data on religious groups, academics and experts in the field,

religious organisations and community groups. The assistance and efforts of the

numerous organisations and individuals who provided information and advice, and

otherwise contributed to the consultation process, is gratefully acknowledged.

PR E F A C E

2 A B S • A U S T R A L I A N ST A N D A R D CL A S S I F I C A T I O N OF R E L I G I O U S GR O U P S • 1 2 6 6 . 0 • SE C O N D ED I T I O N

N O T E S

Religious affiliation provides a useful indicator of aspects of the cultural diversity of

Australia's society. In order to satisfy wide community interest in the religious affiliations

of the Australian population, and to meet a statistical and administrative need, the

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) developed the Australian Standard Classification

of Religious Groups (ASCRG). The first edition of the ASCRG was published in 1996

(ABS cat. no. 1266.0).

The ASCRG is intended for use in collecting, aggregating and disseminating data relating

to the religious affiliation of the Australian population, or subsets of the population. As

well as being used to classify religion data from ABS surveys and the Census of

Population and Housing, its use has improved the quality of religion data provided on

administrative forms such as hospital admission and school enrolment forms.

Data classified by religious group can be used for policy and planning purposes related to

the location and development of educational facilities and church buildings, aged

persons' care facilities and services, and the provision of other social services by religious

organisations. The classification enhances the usefulness of data used to assist in

assigning chaplains and other care providers to hospitals, prisons, armed services,

universities, and other institutions. It can also be used to determine the allocation of

time to particular community groups on public radio and in other media, and is a useful

tool in general sociological research.

The first edition of the ASCRG was developed by the ABS after extensive research of

Australian and overseas literature, employment of statistical principles and techniques

relating to statistical classification, and analysis of existing data relating to the religious

profile of Australia (primarily data from the 1991 Census of Population and Housing).

This was supported and enhanced by information and advice from academics and

religious experts, and by consultation with community and religious groups interested in

this topic.

In the classification, religious groups are arranged into progressively broader categories

on the basis of similarity in terms of religious beliefs, religious practices and the cultural

heritage of adherents. This results in those religious groups which are closely related in

terms of their intrinsic characteristics being closely aligned in the structure of the

classification. Thus, people with similar religious beliefs are grouped together to produce

a classification that is useful for both social analysis and planning purposes.

To make the classification as useful as possible, the number of adherents of particular

religious groups was a significant factor in developing the classification structure. Thus,

religious groups with a large number of adherents, such as Christian denominations,

were extensively identified, while those religions with a small number of adherents were

not separately identified in the classification structure but were included in appropriate

residual categories (see: Reserved codes for residual categories). However, the

identification of individual religions or denominations in the classification, and the way in

which they are grouped, does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the

ABS concerning the relative merit or importance of particular religions or the people

who practice them.

OV E R V I E W

A B S • A U S T R A L I A N ST A N D A R D CL A S S I F I C A T I O N OF R E L I G I O U S GR O U P S • 1 2 6 6 . 0 • SE C O N D ED I T I O N 3

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Precise definition of the concept of religion, or of what generally constitutes a 'religion',

is difficult, if not impossible, because of the intangible and wide-ranging nature of the

topic. Generally, a religion is regarded as a set of beliefs and practices, usually involving

acknowledgment of a divine or higher being or power, by which people order the

conduct of their lives both practically and in a moral sense. This method of defining

religion in terms of a mixture of beliefs, practices, and a supernatural being giving form

and meaning to existence was used by the High Court of Australia in 1983. The High

Court held that "the beliefs, practices and observances of the Church of the New Faith

(Scientology) were a religion in Victoria". As part of the ruling, it was stated that:

For the purposes of the law, the criteria of religion are twofold: first, belief in a

Supernatural Being, Thing or Principle; and second, the acceptance of canons of

conduct in order to give effect to that belief, though canons of conduct which

offend against the ordinary laws are outside the area of any immunity, privilege or

right conferred on the grounds of religion.

The above definition is useful in describing the nature of the entities included in the

classification. Apart from the major group 'No Religion' it includes all entities in the

classification. For instance, Buddhism is universally accepted as a religion because,

although it does not acknowledge a personal God, it contains elements of belief in

supernatural principles as well as canons of conduct. Similarly, Confucianism is regarded

as a religion, even though it involves no overt belief in the supernatural, because it

provides a moral code for its adherents and because it contains elements of belief in

supernatural principles. However, not all philosophies which involve beliefs about the

nature of life or codes of behaviour are accepted as religions. For instance, Marxism,

although regarded as a religion by some, is more generally regarded as a political

philosophy based on a coherent set of beliefs, without any supernatural or spiritual

component, and is therefore excluded from the classification.

Thus, the extent of opinion in regard to what constitutes a religion (particularly the

opinion of the adherents), practical considerations, and generally held notions about the

nature of philosophies, organisations and institutions all play a role in defining religion

or identifying the concepts that underpin religion. These elements complement the

DE F I N I T I O N OF RE L I G I O N

Since its publication in 1996 the ASCRG has been widely accepted and is regarded as

serving its purposes well. However the need for periodic reviews to reflect changes in

the religious profile of Australia was foreshadowed when the ASCRG was first released.

Analysis of responses to the 2001 Census of Population and Housing Religion question,

together with ongoing feedback from users of the classification, indicated that there was

a need to update the ASCRG to reflect the changes in religious profile of the Australian

population which have occurred since 1996.

This Second Edition (2005 revision) of the classification includes changes to the

structure of the classification and the renaming of some religious groups to more

accurately reflect current terminology. At the most detailed religious group level the

structure has been expanded from 107 religious groups to 115, while the number of

narrow groups has fallen from 33 to 32. No changes have been made at the broad group

level (see: Second edition changes).

OV E R V I E W continued


I N T R O D U C T I O N continued

The classification criteria are the principles by which the base level units of the

classification are formed into classification categories which may be aggregated to form

broader or higher-level categories in the classification structure. Three classification

criteria are used in the ASCRG to form the various levels of categories of the

classification:

! similar religious beliefs;

! similar religious practices; and/or

! cultural heritage.

Religious groups, the most detailed level of the classification, are combined to form

narrow groups (the middle level of the classification) on the basis of their similarity in

terms of these criteria. Although the religious groups are not necessarily identical in any

particular characteristics, the narrow groups formed are relatively homogeneous in terms

of the set of classification criteria.

The most general level of the classification, the broad groups, were developed in a

slightly different manner. On the basis of the number of adherents, worldwide, the major

world religions are generally accepted as: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Tao,

Confucian, Tribal, Animist, and Jewish. It would seem appropriate to designate these

major religions as broad groups in the classification, particularly as they are broadly

homogeneous in terms of the classification criteria (beliefs, practices, and cultural

heritage). However, consideration of the number of adherents of each of these religions

(in Australia) indicates that it is unacceptable in terms of the statistical balance of the

classification to include Tao, Confucian, Tribal and Animist religions as broad groups.

Thus, on the basis of a broad application of all the classification criteria, supported by the

size of the religions in Australia, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism

CL A S S I F I C A T I O N CR I T E R I A

AN D TH E I R AP P L I C A T I O N

The scope of the classification is all religions and subsets of religions in the world as

defined above (see: Definition of religion). In practice, only those religious groups that

have a significant number of adherents in Australia are separately identified in the

classification structure. However, all other religions are covered, notionally being

included in the most appropriate residual category (Miscellaneous, Other, or Not

elsewhere classified categories) of the classification. The code structure of the

classification also allows the identification of religious groups not presently separately

identified, if such a need arises.

The classification also includes a 'No Religion' broad group which could be considered to

be inconsistent with the basis of the classification as described above and outside the

scope of the religion topic. It has been included for practical reasons and to make the

classification more useful. Many statistical and administrative applications need to

accommodate the whole range of responses to a question on religion, including the

response 'No Religion'.

SC O P E OF TH E

CL A S S I F I C A T I O N

more stringent notions of belief, accepted and widespread practices and canons of

conduct and a supernatural being or principle included in the definition of religion.

It should be noted that although a definition for religion may be more difficult than for

some other concepts, the definition provided here is regarded as sufficient for the

purposes of the classification.

DE F I N I T I O N OF RE L I G I O N

continued



A one, a two or three, and a four-digit code is assigned to each first, second and

third-level unit in the classification respectively.

The first level of the classification, the broad group level, comprises seven categories and

provides a broad overall picture of the religious affiliation of the Australian population.

Broad groups are arranged alphabetically and are represented by one digit codes. They

are:

1 Buddhism

2 Christianity

3 Hinduism

4 Islam

5 Judaism

6 Other Religions

7 No Religion

The second and third levels of the classification - the narrow group and religious group

levels respectively - provide increasingly detailed breakdowns of the broad groups.

CO D E SC H E M E

The ASCRG has a three-level hierarchical structure.

The third and most detailed level of the classification consists of base units known as

'religious groups'. The classification consists of 115 religious groups. Some religious

groups are residual categories, or 'not elsewhere classified' (nec) categories, which

contain entities that are not listed separately in the classification.

The second level of the classification comprises 32 'narrow groups'. Narrow groups

comprise between one and 14 religious groups which are similar in terms of the

classification criteria.

The first and most general level of the classification comprises seven 'broad groups'.

These are formed by aggregating narrow groups (and hence religious groups) which are

broadly similar in terms of the classification criteria. Broad Group 7 No Religion

comprises entities which are identifiable and useful groupings which, while not satisfying

the criteria of a religion, are necessary to enable the capture of the full range of

responses to questions on religious affiliation (see: Scope of the classification).

CL A S S I F I C A T I O N

ST R U C T U R E

are broad groups within the classification. This application of the criteria enables the

delineation of appropriate narrow groups (constructed on the basis of a more rigorous

application of the criteria) as subsets (sub-categories) of these major groups. The

classification criteria are then applied so that other major world religions and residual

narrow groups form a meaningful and useful classification structure within a residual

broad group: Other Religions.

A further broad group (No Religion) has been included in the classification for practical

reasons and to make the classification more useful (see: Scope of the classification). As

this group consists of entities not considered to be religious groups it was not developed

in accordance with the classification criteria specified above.

CL A S S I F I C A T I O N CR I T E R I A

AN D TH E I R AP P L I C A T I O N

continued



Most narrow groups are represented by a three-digit code, the first digit indicating the

broad group to which they belong. For example, within the Christianity broad group

(code 2), Anglican is code 201, Baptist is code 203, and Brethren is code 205. For

example:

2 Christianity

201 Anglican

203 Baptist

205 Brethren

At the third and most detailed level, religious groups are represented by a four-digit

code. The first three digits represent the broad and narrow groups to which they belong.

For example, religious groups 2012 Anglican Church of Australia, and 2013 Anglican

Catholic Church, both fall within the Anglican narrow group (code 201) and the

Christianity broad group (code 2). For example:

2 Christianity

201 Anglican

2012 Anglican Church of Australia

2013 Anglican Catholic Church

Narrow groups generally consist of nine or less religious groups, thus allowing for the

use of a three-digit narrow group code. However, an exception to this coding scheme

was necessary for the narrow groups representing Pentecostal Religions (code 24), Other

Protestant Religions (code 28), and Other Christian Religions (code 29). To allow these

narrow groups to comprise more than nine religious groups without necessitating a

five-digit code, they have each been allocated two-digit codes rather than three-digit

codes. For example, the Pentecostal narrow group is represented by code 24, within

which 14 religious groups are represented by four-digit codes ranging from 2401

Apostolic Church (Australia), to 2499 Pentecostal, nec. For example:

2 Christianity

24 Pentecostal

2401 Apostolic Church (Australia)

2402 Assemblies of God

2403 Bethesda Churches

2404 Christian City Church

2405 Christian Life Churches International

2406 Christian Outreach Centres

2407 Christian Revival Crusade

2408 Faith Churches

2411 Foursquare Gospel Church

2412 Full Gospel Church

2413 Revival Centres

2414 Rhema Family Church

2415 United Pentecostal

2499 Pentecostal, nec

CO D E SC H E M E continued



Some narrow groups include residual 'nec' categories. These categories are represented

by four-digit codes consisting of the two or three digits of the narrow group code,

followed by the digits 99 or 9. All religious groups which are not separately identified in

the classification are notionally included in the nec category of the narrow group to

which they relate. The classification currently has 11 nec categories at the base level for

narrow groups where ABS experience indicates they are required.

In some broad groups, codes are also reserved for residual categories at the narrow

group level. These codes consist of the broad group code followed by 9 or 99. These

categories are termed 'Other' or 'Miscellaneous' categories and consist of separately

identified religious groups which do not fit into other narrow groups on the basis of the

classification criteria. The classification currently contains two such residual categories.

Provision exists in the code structure for the creation of additional residual categories. If

experience indicates the need for further residual categories the ABS will create them

and add them to the classification structure. It should be noted that residual categories

are part of the classification structure and should not be created or used merely to'dump'

RE S E R V E D CO D E S FO R

RE S I D U A L CA T E G O R I E S

If processing or storage systems require all categories at a particular level of the

classification to use the same number of digits, it is recommended the codes of these

three two-digit narrow groups are backfilled by use of the digit zero: 240 Pentecostal, 280

Other Protestant, 290 Other Christian.

The religious profile of Australia is likely to change over time because of factors such as

changing migration patterns. From time to time, it may be necessary to add religious

groups to, or delete religious groups from, the lists of religious groups currently

separately identified in the classification as the number of adherents for particular

religions changes. (All religious groups not separately identified in the classification are

notionally included in a residual category.)

If a religious group needs to be added to (separately identified in) the classification

structure, it is allocated the next available four-digit code, in the numerical sequence of

codes, of the narrow group to which it is being added. Likewise if a religious group

ceases to have a sufficient number of adherents in Australia to justify it continuing to be

separately identified in the classification and it is consequently deleted from the

classification, its code would only be reallocated to another religious group in

exceptional circumstances as this would be likely to cause confusion with time series

data.

The religious groups in narrow groups are, generally speaking, in alphabetical order.

However, this order of units, while useful, is not imperative and it is not considered that

the addition of new units, which may disrupt the alphabetical order, will affect the

usefulness of the classification structure.

The ASCRG code scheme has been devised so that any future changes to the

classification structure can be easily accommodated. However, in order that the

classification remain a standard, users should not make changes to the structure. Rather,

users should contact the ABS and identify any problems they encounter in the course of

implementation, data collection, or data analysis when using the classification.

CO D E SC H E M E continued



Supplementary codes are used to process inadequately described responses in statistical

collections. The codes are of three types:

! four-digit codes ending with one or more zeros;

! four-digit codes commencing with three zeros; and

! to meet specific needs.

Codes ending in zero are described as 'not further defined' (nfd) codes and are used to

code responses to a question about religion which cannot be coded to the detailed

(religious group) level of the classification but which can be coded to a higher level of

the classification structure.

SU P P L E M E N T A R Y CO D E S

The theoretical and conceptual considerations for developing the classification were

tempered by other considerations such as the practical usefulness of the classification for

collecting data from both statistical and administrative collections, the analytical

usefulness of data collected within the framework of the classification, and the number

of Australian adherents of each category at each level of the classification.

Generally, the classification criteria were applied in a straightforward manner. However,

some decisions in regard to the identification of religious groups and the progressive

grouping of units were made on the basis of whether it would be possible to collect data

in relation to certain religious sub-sets or whether data for particular religions would be

more useful if classified in a broader or finer manner. These decisions were made in

consultation with religious and ethnic communities, religious experts and users of

religion data.

One effect of these constraints on the classification has been that some religious groups

which are significant in a world context are not separately identified in the structure,

some broad groups are limited in the number of narrow groups they subsume, and some

major world religions are represented at levels below the broad group level. The most

notable effect has been in the large number of narrow groups and religious groups

represented as subsets of the broad group Christianity.

DE S I G N CO N S T R A I N T S

The base-level religious groups comprise groups of religions, religions, and subsets of

religions (see: Definition of religion). Therefore, many religious groups include a

number of further discrete religious entities which can be separately itemised. These

entities are related to particular religious groups on the basis of administrative or

organisational links, or because of a close similarity in terms of the classification criteria.

An expanded classification structure listing these sub-third-level entities is provided in

the Expanded Structure so that the definition, nature, extent and boundaries of the base

units of the classification is clearer. This will improve the usefulness of the classification

for data analysis, policy making and service provision. It should be noted that this listing

is not intended to be a fourth level of the classification, but is included to provide

indicative information on the content of each base-level unit, which should not be

considered as exhaustive or prescriptive. More detailed information on the content of

each base-level unit may be found in Appendix 3: Coding index – numerical order.

EX P A N D E D ST R U C T U R E

responses containing insufficient data to code to a separately identified category of the

classification (see: Supplementary codes, and Coding rules).

RE S E R V E D CO D E S FO R

RE S I D U A L CA T E G O R I E S

continued



For example, responses which cannot be identified as relating directly to a particular

religious group, but which are known to be within the range of religions relating to a

particular narrow group, are coded to that narrow group. Such responses are allocated

an nfd code consisting of the two or three-digit code of the narrow group followed by 00

or 0. For instance, the response 'Orthodox' does not contain sufficient information to be

coded directly to any particular religious group, but it can be coded to Narrow Group

223 Orthodox, which encompasses all Orthodox religions. It is thus allocated to 2230

Orthodox, nfd.

Similarly, responses which do not contain sufficient information to be related directly to

a particular religious group, or to a narrow group, but which are known to be within the

range of religions relating to a particular broad group, are coded to that broad group.

Such responses are allocated an nfd code consisting of the one-digit code of the broad

group followed by 000. For instance, the response 'Christian' does not contain sufficient

information to be related directly to a religious group or a narrow group, but it can be

coded to Broad Group 2 Christianity, which encompasses all Christian religions. It is thus

allocated the code 2000 Christianity, nfd.

Thus, religion responses which are only codeable at the broad or narrow group levels of

the classification can be processed within a collection coded at the religious group level.

There are some cases where the classification structure would, in theory, support the

creation of a supplementary nfd code not already included in the range of valid

supplementary codes used by the ABS. For example, no nfd code has been created for

Narrow Group 207 Catholic, as the response 'Catholic' is properly allocated to the

category 2071 Western Catholic.

Four-digit codes commencing with 000 are supplementary codes included for

operational purposes to facilitate the coding of responses such as inadequately described

religious affiliations, which present particular problems in that they cannot be allocated

one particular religious group, narrow group or broad group code.

For example, responses such as 'all religions' and 'own religion' are coded to 0002

Religious Belief, nfd.

Additional supplementary codes have been included to meet specific needs and to

maximise the value of data collected from statistical surveys. For example, The Apostolic

Church (Australia) (Religious Group 2401) is classified to Narrow Group 24 Pentecostal,

and both The Apostolic Church of Queensland (Religious Group 2901) and The New

Apostolic Church (Religious Group 2906) are classified to Narrow Group 29 Other

Christian. The term 'Apostolic' lacks sufficient information to code to a specific narrow

group, and to code such responses to 'Christian, nfd' (code 2000) would mean that

useful information was being discarded. Hence supplementary code 2001 Apostolic

Church, so described, has been created to capture this information. The code 2001 is

appropriate because any responses relating to it must necessarily lie within Broad

Group 2 Christianity.

A similar approach has been taken for responses relating to the 'Church of God'

(code 2002), 'Australian Christian Churches' (code 2003), and 'New Church Alliance'

(code 2004).


continued



In developing the coding index a number of rules were followed in assigning index

entries the correct classification code. It is recommended that these rules be adhered to

when coding any response that does not appear in the coding index provided. Decisions

were made in regard to index entries on the basis of appropriate research and

examination of pertinent reference material. The coding rules are as follows:

! Responses which relate directly to a religious group category are coded to that

religious group. Such instances include responses which are an exact match with the

religious group category title, responses which are an exact match with the religious

group category title except in terms of alternative spelling, the use of abbreviations,

etc., and responses which match the title in terms of the fundamental or basic words

of the title and differ only in terms of qualifying or extraneous words.

! Responses which relate to one of the entities which are separately itemised as

subsets of religious groups in the expanded classification are coded to that religious

group.

! Responses which relate directly to a religious group because they describe an entity

which is one of a group of religions comprising the religious group, or a subset of

the religious group (denomination, administrative or organisational grouping, etc.)

are coded directly to that religious group.

! Responses which cannot be identified as relating to a separately identified religious

group in the classification are assigned a residual category code, or a supplementary

code as described above (see: Reserved codes for residual categories, and

Appendix 1: Supplementary codes).

CO D I N G RU L E S

Responses provided in statistical and administrative collections do not always relate

directly to classification categories. A coding index is therefore necessary to act as a link

between responses and the classification, enabling responses to be assigned accurately

and quickly to the appropriate category of the classification.

The coding index has been developed to assist in the implementation and use of the

classification and should be used when coding responses to questions relating to

religious affiliation, religious denomination, etc. The coding index has been devised by

reference to existing literature in the field, consultation with religious experts and ethnic

and community groups, and by analysis of existing ABS data. It thus includes responses

actually obtained in ABS statistical collections. It contains a comprehensive list of the

most probable responses to questions relating to religion and their correct classification

codes. See Appendix 2 for the coding index sorted in alphabetical order and Appendix 3

for numerical order. In order to distinguish actual categories of the classification

structure from other entities included in the coding indexes, the classification categories

(broad groups, narrow groups, and religious groups) have been presented in the index

in bold type. Supplementary categories are shown in italics in the index.

CO D I N G IN D E X

For publication purposes, it is acceptable to aggregate all data classified to code 2001,

code 2002, code 2003 and code 2004 to provide a total for Christian, nfd (code 2000).

It should be noted that supplementary codes are not part of the classification structure.

They exist for operational reasons only, and no data would be coded to them if

sufficiently detailed responses were obtained in all instances. (See: Appendix 1:

Supplementary codes, for a full list of the supplementary codes).


continued



Regardless of the level of aggregation envisaged for the dissemination of data, wherever

possible, data should be captured, classified and stored at the base level of the

classification. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed level of the classification

allows the greatest flexibility for the output of data, enables more detailed and complex

analyses, facilitates comparisons with previous data using different classifications, and

preserves information that may prove historically useful.

However, the constraints affecting each statistical collection or other application, such as

problems with confidentiality or standard errors, may not permit the collection or output

of data at the lower levels of the classification. Nevertheless, the use of a standard

classification will enhance data comparability even though it may not always be possible

to disseminate the data at the most detailed level.

The hierarchical structure of the classification allows users the flexibility to output

statistics at the level of the classification which best suits their particular purposes. Data

can be presented at broad group level, narrow group level, or religious group level. If

necessary, significant religious groups within a narrow group can be presented separately

while the remaining religious groups within the narrow group are aggregated. The same

principle can be adopted to highlight significant narrow groups within a broad group.

CO D I N G , ST O R A G E AN D

PR E S E N T A T I O N OF DA T A

Because some responses are assigned nfd or nec codes rather than the codes of

particular religious groups, it is important that in validating input codes at editing stage,

manipulating data, and deriving output items, the full range of valid codes are included

in all specifications. The full range of valid codes can be obtained from the classification

structure section, and Appendix 1: Supplementary codes.

ED I T I N G SP E C I F I C A T I O N S



There were two stages of stakeholder consultation undertaken:

! an initial round of consultation inviting general comments on the classification with

particular focus drawn to the emergence, growth and decline of individual religious

groups; and

! a second round of consultation requesting comments on changes proposed as a

result of feedback received from the first round of consultation.

Stakeholders indicated that overall they were satisfied with the revised classification.

2. Stakeholder

Consultat ion

Responses to the 2001 Census Religion question were analysed to identify new religious

groups, and religious groups whose number of adherents had either significantly

increased or declined.

Religions within 'not elsewhere classified' categories which recorded over 1,000

responses have been identified separately in new categories (that is, religious groups),

although exceptions were made for religions which recorded slightly fewer responses

but were of specific interest.

The new categories have been sorted in alphabetical order and allocated the next

unused number in the classification code sequence.

ME T H O D US E D

1. Stat is t ical analys is

The purpose of the review was to:

! ensure the classification was up to date;

! capture changes in the religious profile of Australia, enabling improvements to the

classification, in terms of religious groups covered and the grouping of certain

religions,

! address any errors in the classification; and

! improve the coding index used to map responses to religious groups.

As the review was intended to be an update only, no further attempt was made to

analyse the conceptual model underpinning the classification or to make any changes at

the broad group level. There was no evidence to suggest that a more comprehensive

review was necessary.

PU R P O S E OF TH E RE V I E W

The need for periodic reviews of the ASCRG to reflect the changes taking place in

Australia's religious profile was foreshadowed when the ASCRG was first released.

Analysis of responses to the 2001 Census of Population and Housing Religion question

highlighted some issues which needed to be addressed in a review of the ASCRG to

ensure it was as up to date as possible for use in the 2006 Census. In particular the

analysis:

! revealed a wide variety of responses to the Religion question;

! identified the need for a small number of religious groups to be added to the

classification; and

! highlighted the need for some minor changes to coding assignment in the

classification.

Feedback from users of the classification and other stakeholders also supported the

need for a minor review of the classification.

NE E D FO R RE V I E W


S E C O N D E D I T I O N C H A N G E S

As Theism is a belief in a God rather than in a specific religion or religious group, Narrow

Group 621 Theism, nec in the first edition of the ASCRG has been deleted from the

classification in the Second Edition, and supplementary code 0005 Theism, added.

Theism

A new narrow group titled 'Assyrian Apostolic' (code 222) has been introduced in the

second edition of the ASCRG which includes the religious group The Assyrian Church of

the East (2221), and the religious group The Ancient Church of the East (2222). In the

first edition of the ASCRG these religious groups were included in Narrow Group 221

Oriental Christian (The Assyrian Church of the East had code 2222, and The Ancient

Church of the East had code 2211). In recognition of this change the Oriental Christian

narrow group has been renamed 'Oriental Orthodox', but retains the same code (221).

For completeness, in the second edition of the ASCRG, Religious Group 2229 Assyrian

Apostolic, nec, is also included in Narrow Group 222.

Narrow Group 223 Orthodox has been renamed 'Eastern Orthodox' in the Second

Edition to ensure there is a clear delineation between it and Narrow Group 221 Oriental

Orthodox.

Oriental Chris t ian

Churches

Religious Group 2011 Anglican in the first edition of the ASCRG has been removed from

the Second Edition and replaced by two new religious groups, The Anglican Church of

Australia (2012), and The Anglican Catholic Church (2013). This was done to recognise

the difference between The Anglican Church of Australia and The Anglican Catholic

Church and to enable data to be provided on each.

Anglican Church

The structure of the second edition of the ASCRG has not changed at the broad group

level; however several changes have been made at the more detailed levels. Two new

narrow groups have been included in the Second Edition, and two narrow groups which

were previously included in the first edition of the ASCRG have been removed. Seven

new religious groups have been added, while one which was included in the first edition

has been removed. 15 new entries have been added to the expanded structure of the

Second Edition, and eight entries removed. 73 new entries have been added to the

Second Edition's coding indexes, five which were included in the first edition have been

removed, and 20 entries have been recoded from the first edition to the Second Edition.

In addition, four new supplementary codes have been included in the Second Edition.

All of these changes are detailed below.

CH A N G E S MA D E TO TH E

AS C R G

Key changes requested included the breakdown of the Anglican and Oriental Christian

narrow groups, and the inclusion of a number of new religious groups in the expanded

structure. The latter are detailed in: Changes to the expanded structure.

While most suggested changes were included in the Second Edition, a number were not

widely accepted and some met with opposition when included in the draft proposal

circulated for comment during the second round of consultation. In such cases the

proposed changes were withdrawn or modified to accommodate stakeholder concerns.

2. Stakeholder

Consultat ion continued


S E C O N D E D I T I O N C H A N G E S continued

Religious Group 2215 was named 'Syrian (Jacobite) Church' in the first edition of the

ASCRG. In the Second Edition it has been renamed 'Syrian Orthodox'.

Syrian Orthodox Church

Religious Group 2152 was named 'Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

Saints' in the first edition of the ASCRG. In the Second Edition it has been renamed

'Community of Christ'.

Community of Christ

A new religious group, 6119 Japanese Religions, nec, has been introduced in the second

edition of the ASCRG to overcome a deficiency of the first edition in which Japanese

Religions, other than Shinto, Sukyo Mahikari and Tenrikyo (which were identified as

religious groups 6111, 6112, and 6113 respectively), were included in Narrow Group 699

Miscellaneous Religions, rather than Narrow Group 611 Japanese Religions.

Japanese Relig ions, nec

A new religious group, 6059 Chinese Religions, nec, has been introduced in the second

edition of the ASCRG to overcome a deficiency of the first edition in which Chinese

Religions, other than Ancestor Veneration, Confucianism and Taoism (which were

identified as religious groups 6051, 6052, and 6053 respectively), were included in

Narrow Group 699 Miscellaneous Religions, rather than Narrow Group 605 Chinese

Religions.

Chinese Relig ions, nec

A new religious group, 2216 Ethiopian Orthodox, has been introduced in the second

edition of the ASCRG in recognition of the large number of followers of this religion

which were reported in the 2001 Census of Population and Housing. In the first edition

of the ASCRG, Ethiopian Orthodox was included in Religious Group 2219 Oriental

Christian, nec.

Ethiopian Orthodox

A new religious group, 2075 Chaldean Catholic, has been introduced in the second

edition of the ASCRG in recognition of the large number of followers of this religion

which were reported in the 2001 Census of Population and Housing. In the first edition

of the ASCRG, Chaldean Catholic was classified to Religious Group 2079 Catholic, nec.

Chaldean Catholic

Responses to the 2001 Census of Population and Housing Religion question indicated

that Jainism has a significant following in Australia. In recognition of this a new religious

group, Jainism (code 6997), has been introduced in the second edition of the ASCRG. In

the first edition of the ASCRG, Jainism was included in Religious Groups, nec

(code 6999).

Jainism

Responses to the 2001 Census of Population and Housing Religion question indicated

that Zoroastrianism has a very small following in Australia. As a result Narrow Group 623

Zoroastrianism, has been removed from the classification in the second edition of the

ASCRG and replaced by Religious Group 6998 Zoroastrianism under Narrow Group 699

Miscellaneous Religions.

Zoroastr ianism



Many of the base-level units (religious groups) comprise a number of further discrete

religious entities which can be separately itemised. These entities are related to

particular religious groups on the basis of administrative or organisational links, or

because of a close similarity in terms of their beliefs, practices or heritage.

A classification structure listing these sub-third-level entities is provided in the Expanded

Structure so that the definition, nature, extent and boundaries of the base units of the

classification is clearer.

Analysis of responses to the 2001 Census of Population and Housing Religion question

revealed a number of religions which were not previously included in the ASCRG's

expanded structure. Those with a significant number of responses have been added to

the expanded structure.

New entries added to the expanded structure of the Second Edition, and the religious

groups to which they relate, are listed below.

New entries Religious Groups

Church of Torres Strait 2013 Anglican Catholic Church

Seventh Day Baptist Churches 2031 Baptist

Plymouth Brethren 2051 Brethren

Eritrean Orthodox 2219 Oriental Orthodox, nec

Lebanese Orthodox 2232 Antiochian Orthodox

Bulgarian Orthodox 2239 Eastern Orthodox, nec

Hillsong 2402 Assemblies of God

Paradise Community Church 2402 Assemblies of God

Crosslink Christian Network 2499 Pentecostal, nec

Bhakti Yoga 3011 Hinduism

Raja Yoga 3011 Hinduism

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society 3011 Hinduism

Sahaja Yoga 3011 Hinduism

Sant Mat 3011 Hinduism

Entries which were included in the expanded structure of the first edition of the ASCRG,

but have been removed from the second edition, primarily because of their small

number of adherents in Australia are listed below. The religious groups to which they

relate are also listed.

Entries removed from Second Edition Religious Groups

Philippine Independent Church 2011 Anglican

Indonesian Lutheran Church 2171 Lutheran

Australian Free Church Inc (Chadstone) 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

Grace Presbyterian Church (Caboolture) 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

Independent Presbyterian Church (Gold Coast) 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

Presbyterian Community Church (Coonabarabran) 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

Seasoon Presbyterian Church 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

Tamworth Reformed Church 2251 Presbyterian and Reformed

CH A N G E S TO TH E




The second edition of the ASCRG includes a number of new special supplementary

codes that have been created to preserve data relating to meaningful responses that

would otherwise be lost (that is, they would be aggregated with incoherent or otherwise

inadequately described responses). The new codes are:

0004 New Age, so described

0005 Theism

2002 Church of God, so described

2003 Australian Christian Churches, so described

2004 New Church Alliance, so described

Code 0004, 'New Age, so described', has been added to facilitate the coding of 'New Age' -

a response which cannot be attributed to a particular broad group, but is of interest

because of the number of such responses given.

Code 0005, 'Theism', has been added and replaces the first edition's 6211 Theism, nec.

Code 2002, 'Church of God, so described', has been included because the response

'Church of God' lacks sufficient information to allow it to be coded to a specific narrow

or religious group, but it is sufficiently descriptive to relate to the Christianity broad

group. This code, like the supplementary code for Apostolic Church (code 2001), will

capture the high number of such responses and ensure useful information is not 'lost' to

the 'Christian, nfd' code (code 2000).

Code 2003, 'Australian Christian Churches, so described', and code 2004, 'New Church

Alliance, so described', are examples of churches of various denominations, all of which

are included in the ASCRG. However, in some instances responses may refer to these

alliances rather than a specific religious denomination.

In the first edition of the ASCRG, Code 0003 was named 'Inadequately described'. In the

second edition of the ASCRG it has been renamed 'Not Defined' in order to broaden its

scope to cater for philosophies which are adequately described but do not meet the

criteria necessary to be recognised as a religious group.

CH A N G E S TO




The published coding indexes have been modified in the second edition of ASCRG to

reflect the category and coding changes outlined in this document.

The following table shows the religious entities which have been added to the published

coding index of the second edition. The religious group code to which they are classified

is shown in brackets.

Bangladeshi Theravada (1011) Sri Lankan Theravada (1011)

Cambodian Theravada (1011) Tendai (1011)

Chan (1011) Thai Theravada (1011)

Ching t'u (1011) Thien (1011)

Chogye (1011) T'ien-t'ai (1011)

Dhammakaya (1011) Vietnamese Pure Land (1011)

Diamond Way (1011) Zen (1011)

Esoteric School (1011) Church of Ireland (2012)

Fo Kugan Shan (1011) Church of Torres Strait (2013)

Gelugpa (1011) Eritrean Orthodox (2219)

Hoa Hao Buddhism (1011) Christian Reformed Churches of

Horai Association of Australia (1011) Australia (2252)

Hua-yen (1011) Hillsong (2402)

Humanistic Buddhism (1011) Paradise Community Church (2402)

International Buddhist Association Crosslink Christian Network (2499)

of Australia (1011) Sant Mat (3011)

Jen Chen (1011) Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the

Jin-Gang-Dhyana (1011) Propagation of Islam (4011)

Jodo Shinshu (1011) Orthodox Abha World Faith (6031)

Jodo Shu (1011) Sekai Mahikari (6112)

Kargyupa (1011) Asatru (Nordic Gods) (6139)

Karma Kagyu (1011) Church of All Worlds (6139)

Karmapa (1011) Eagle Hearth (6139)

Kegon (1011) Folkvang Hearth (6139)

Lao Theravada (1011) Landvaettir Hearth (6139)

New Kadampa Tradition (1011) The Asatru Kindred of Asia (6139)

Nyingmapa (1011) The Assembly of the Troth (6139)

Phat Giao Hoa Hao (1011) Rune-Net (6139)

Pure Land Buddhism (1011) Ahl-I-Haqq (People of the

Rinzai Zen (1011) Truth) (6999)

Rissho Kosekai (1011) Breatharian (6999)

Sakya (1011) Church of Perfect Liberty (6999)

Sakya Trizin (1011) Jasmuheen (6999)

Sakyapa (1011) Mandean (6999)

Seon (1011) Movement of Spiritual Inner

Shin (1011) Awareness (6999)

Shingon (1011) Raelian (6999)

Shinnyoen (1011) Yezidism (6999)

Soto Zen (1011) Presleytarian (0003)


PU B L I S H E D CO D I N G

IN D E X



The following religious entities, which were included in the published coding index of

the first edition of the ASCRG, have been removed from the published coding index of

the second edition:

Australian Buddhist Vihara (1011)

Budah Theranado (1011)

Soka Gakken (1011)

Zen Buddhist (1011)

Farsi (6231)

The following code changes have been made to the published coding index:

Religious Entity Revised Code Previously

(Second Edition) (First Edition)

Church of God Hopkins 2051 2000

Indian Orthodox 2215 3011

Ranters 2999 0003

Elan Vital (formerly Divine Light Mission) 3011 6999

Foundation of Revelation (The Beggar) 3011 6999

Chinese Religion 6050 6053

Church of St Germain Foundation 6996 2999

Saint Germain Foundation 6996 2999

Avatar Meher Baba 6999 3011

Baba Follower 6999 3011

Faithist of the Kosmon Church 6999 6211

John the Baptist 6999 2000

Kosmon Faithist 6999 6211

Meher Baba 6999 3011

Meher Baba Foundation of Australia 6999 3011

Meher Baba Groups 6999 3011

Rajnesh Meditation 6999 3011

Traditional Belief 6999 0002

Traditionalist 6999 0002

Armenian 0003 2212

England 0003 2011

Falun Gong 0003 6999

Finnish 0003 2171

Greek 0003 2233

Inca 0003 6139

Indian 0003 3011

Indian Religion 0003 3011

Israel 0003 5011

Russian 0003 2236

Scottish 0003 2251

Tamil 0003 3011


PU B L I S H E D CO D I N G

IN D E X continued



1 BUDDHISM

2 CHRISTIANITY

3 HINDUISM

4 ISLAM

5 JUDAISM

6 OTHER RELIGIONS

7 NO RELIGION

BR O A D GR O U P S


C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S T R U C T U R E

1 BUDDHISM

101 Buddhism

2 CHRISTIANITY

201 Anglican

203 Baptist

205 Brethren

207 Catholic

211 Churches of Christ

213 Jehovah's Witnesses

215 Latter Day Saints

217 Lutheran

221 Oriental Orthodox

222 Assyrian Apostolic

223 Eastern Orthodox

225 Presbyterian and Reformed

227 Salvation Army

231 Seventh-day Adventist

233 Uniting Church

24 Pentecostal

28 Other Protestant

29 Other Christian

3 HINDUISM

301 Hinduism

4 ISLAM

401 Islam

5 JUDAISM

501 Judaism

6 OTHER RELIGIONS

601 Australian Aboriginal Traditional Religions

603 Baha'i

605 Chinese Religions

607 Druse

611 Japanese Religions

613 Nature Religions

615 Sikhism

617 Spiritualism

699 Miscellaneous Religions

7 NO RELIGION

701 No Religion

BR O A D GR O U P S AN D

NA R R O W GR O U P S


C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S T R U C T U R E continued

1 BUDDHISM

101 Buddhism

1011 Buddhism

2 CHRISTIANITY

201 Anglican



203 Baptist

2031 Baptist

205 Brethren

2051 Brethren

207 Catholic

2071 Western Catholic

2072 Maronite Catholic

2073 Melkite Catholic

2074 Ukrainian Catholic

2075 Chaldean Catholic

2079 Catholic, nec


2111 Churches of Christ (Conference)

2112 Church of Christ (Nondenominational)

2113 International Church of Christ




2151 Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (Mormons)

2152 Community of Christ

217 Lutheran

2171 Lutheran


2212 Armenian Apostolic

2214 Coptic Orthodox

2215 Syrian Orthodox

2216 Ethiopian Orthodox

2219 Oriental Orthodox, nec


2221 Assyrian Church of the East

2222 Ancient Church of the East

2229 Assyrian Apostolic, nec

BR O A D GR O U P S , NA R R O W

GR O U P S AN D RE L I G I O U S

GR O U P S




2231 Albanian Orthodox

2232 Antiochian Orthodox

2233 Greek Orthodox

2234 Macedonian Orthodox

2235 Romanian Orthodox

2236 Russian Orthodox

2237 Serbian Orthodox

2238 Ukrainian Orthodox

2239 Eastern Orthodox, nec

225 Presbyterian & Reformed

2251 Presbyterian

2252 Reformed

2253 Free Reformed

227 Salvation Army

2271 Salvation Army



233 Uniting Church

2331 Uniting Church

24 Pentecostal








2408 Faith Churches







28 Other Protestant

2801 Aboriginal Evangelical Missions

2802 Born Again Christian

2803 Christian and Missionary Alliance

2804 Church of the Nazarene

2805 Congregational

2806 Ethnic Evangelical Churches

2807 Independent Evangelical Churches

2808 Wesleyan Methodist Church

2899 Other Protestant, nec



GR O U P S continued



29 Other Christian

2901 Apostolic Church of Queensland

2902 Christadelphians

2903 Christian Science

2904 Gnostic Christians

2905 Liberal Catholic Church

2906 New Apostolic Church

2907 New Churches (Swedenborgian)

2908 Ratana (Maori)

2911 Religious Science

2912 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

2913 Temple Society

2914 Unitarian

2915 Worldwide Church of God

2999 Other Christian, nec

3 HINDUISM

301 Hinduism

3011 Hinduism

4 ISLAM

401 Islam

4011 Islam

5 JUDAISM

501 Judaism

5011 Judaism

6 OTHER RELIGIONS



603 Baha'i

6031 Baha'i


6051 Ancestor Veneration

6052 Confucianism

6053 Taoism

6059 Chinese Religions, nec

607 Druse

6071 Druse


6111 Shinto

6112 Sukyo Mahikari

6113 Tenrikyo

6119 Japanese Religions, nec







6131 Animism

6132 Druidism

6133 Paganism

6134 Pantheism

6135 Wiccan/Witchcraft

6139 Nature Religions, nec

615 Sikhism

6151 Sikhism

617 Spiritualism

6171 Spiritualism


6991 Caodaism

6992 Church of Scientology

6993 Eckankar

6994 Rastafarianism

6995 Satanism

6996 Theosophy

6997 Jainism

6998 Zoroastrianism

6999 Religious Groups, nec

7 NO RELIGION

701 No Religion

7011 Agnosticism

7012 Atheism

7013 Humanism

7014 Rationalism






1 BUDDHISM

101 Buddhism

1011 Buddhism

Mahayana (includes Zen and Soka Gakkai)

Theravada

Vajrayana

2 CHRISTIANITY

201 Anglican


Episcopalian Church


Church of the Torres Strait

Traditional Anglican Church

203 Baptist

2031 Baptist

Baptist Reformed Churches

Baptist Union Churches

Independent Baptist Churches

Seventh Day Baptist Churches

Strict and Particular Baptist Churches

Strict and Particular Baptist Churches of Australia

205 Brethren

2051 Brethren

Armenian Evangelical Spiritual Brethren

Christian Brethren

Christian Gatherings (New Testament Assemblies)

Churches of God (Hopkins, Needed Truth, Spring of Truth)

Exclusive Brethren (Plymouth Brethren IV)

Plymouth Brethren

Reunited Brethren (Kelly, Lowe, Glanton)

The Local Church (Assembly Hall, Little Flock)

207 Catholic

2071 Western Catholic

Catholic Church in Australia

2072 Maronite Catholic

2073 Melkite Catholic

Greek Catholic

2074 Ukrainian Catholic

2075 Chaldean Catholic

2079 Catholic, nec

Armenian Catholic

Coptic Catholic

Ethiopian Catholic

Malabarese Catholic

Malankarese Catholic

Russian Catholic

Syrian Catholic





2111 Churches of Christ (Conference)

2112 Church of Christ (Nondenominational)

2113 International Church of Christ




2151 Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (Mormons)

2152 Community of Christ

217 Lutheran

2171 Lutheran

Australian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Danish Lutheran Church

Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Evangelical Lutheran Congregations of the

Reformation

Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Australia Inc.

German Evangelical Lutheran Church

Latvian Lutheran Church

Lutheran Church of Australia

Orthodox Evangelical Lutheran Church

St Mathew's Lutheran Church, Montague Farm

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church


2212 Armenian Apostolic

2214 Coptic Orthodox

2215 Syrian Orthodox

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian (Indian)

2216 Ethiopian Orthodox

2219 Oriental Orthodox, nec

Eritrean Orthodox


2221 Assyrian Church of the East

Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East

Church of the East

2222 Ancient Church of the East

2229 Assyrian Apostolic, nec


continued




2231 Albanian Orthodox

2232 Antiochian Orthodox

Lebanese Orthodox

2233 Greek Orthodox

Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church Of Australia

Greek Orthodox (Australian Archdiocese)

Greek Orthodox (old calendar)

2234 Macedonian Orthodox

2235 Romanian Orthodox

The Lord's Army

2236 Russian Orthodox

Orthodox Church in America (Australian Mission)

Russian Orthodox (Ecumenical Patriarchate)

Russian Orthodox (Moscow Patriarchate)

2237 Serbian Orthodox

2238 Ukrainian Orthodox

Ukrainian Autocephalic Orthodox Church

2239 Eastern Orthodox, nec

Bulgarian Orthodox

Byelorussian Autocephalic Orthodox Church

Old Believers (Russian)

Old Orthodox Church of the Holy Nativity

Polish Orthodox

225 Presbyterian & Reformed

2251 Presbyterian

Bible Presbyterian Churches

Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia

Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland

Free Presbyterian Church (Ulster)

Korean Presbyterian Church (Gae-hyuk)

Presbyterian Church of Australia

Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia

Presbyterian Church (Oceania Synod)

Presbyterian Reformed Church of Australia

Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia

Southern Presbyterian Church of Australia

Sun Presbyterian Church

Welsh Calvinist Methodist (Presbyterian) Church

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2252 Reformed

Free Hungarian Reformed Church of Australia

Hungarian Reformed Church of Australia

Reformed Churches of Australia

2253 Free Reformed

Free Reformed Churches of Australia


continued



227 Salvation Army

2271 Salvation Army



Adventist Reform Movement

ALMA Torch of Brisbane

Good News Unlimited

International Missionary Society of the Seventh Day

Remnant Ministries

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

The Branch Davidians

233 Uniting Church

2331 Uniting Church

24 Pentecostal



Hillsong

Paradise Community Church


Bethesda Movement


Christian City Churches International




2408 Faith Churches



Full Gospel Churches of Australia Ltd.

Lysterfield Christian Fellowship

Obed Mission Full Gospel (Caboolture)

Olive Branch Full Gospel (Ferntree Gully)

Torres Pentecostal Outreach (Darnley Island)


Australian Christian Assemblies

Revival Centres Fellowship

Revival Centres International

Revival Centres (Geelong)



United Pentecostal Church of Australia


continued




Apostolic Church of God (Seventh Day)

Associated Christian Assemblies International

Associated Christian Fellowships of Australia

Associated Christian Ministries International

Australia for Christ Fellowship (Rowville)

Body-felt Salvation Church

Bride's Tidings Tabernacle Teaching

Calvary Life Assemblies

Cathedral of Love Ministries

Christian Church of Australia

Christian Fellowship Centres International Inc

Church of God of Prophesy

Churches of God in Australia Inc

Crosslink Christian Network

Elim Pentecostal Church of Australia Inc

End Time Believers

Finnish Pentecostal Churches of Australia

Holy Spirit Church of Christ

Hope of God

Kingsway Fellowship International

Life Ministries Centre (Chirnside Park)

New Life Churches

New Testament Church of God

Northern Beaches Christian Fellowship (Gosford)

Potters House Christian Centre

Reach out for Christ Churches

Romanian Christian Pentecostal Church (Philadelphia)

Shiloh Faith Centre

Slavic Evangelical Pentecostal Churches of Australia

The Church of Jesus Christ End of Time

Revival Centres

The Holiness Church

The True Jesus Church

Universal World Church

Vineyard Christian Fellowship

Waverley Christian Fellowship

28 Other Protestant


Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship (AEF)

Aboriginal Inland Mission (AIM)

Aborigines Bible Fellowship, WA Inc (ABF)

United Aboriginal Ministries (UAM)

2802 Born Again Christian

2803 Christian and Missionary Alliance

2804 Church of the Nazarene

2805 Congregational


continued



2806 Ethnic Evangelical Churches

Adonai Messianic Fellowship (Jewish)

All for Jesus Christian Fellowship (Filipino)

Armenian Evangelical Church

Armenian Missionary Association

Assyrian Christian Church

Australia Ling Liang Church

Austral-Asian Christian Church (Adelaide, Canberra, Perth

and Darwin)

Bethal Mission Church (Korean)

Chinese Christian Church

Chinese Christian Church of Brisbane

Chinese Methodist Church in Australia

Church of Tonga

Constitutional Church of Tonga

Cook Islander Christian Churches

Evangelical Chinese Church

Free Church Of Tonga

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga

Greek Bible Fellowship

Greek Evangelical Churches

Greek Free Churches

Indonesian Church

Kehillat Ha Mashicah (Jewish)

Samoan Methodist Church of Australia

Sungrak Baptist Church (Korean)

Sydney Evangelical Church (Korean)

Tokaikolo Fellowship (Tongan)

Turkish Evangelical Groups

United Church of Tonga

Vietnamese Evangelical Church in Australia

West Sydney Christian Church


continued



2807 Independent Evangelical Churches

Calvary Gospel Mission

Evangelical Free Church in Australia

Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches

Grace Bible Churches

Knoxfield Jubilee Bible Church, Inc

Marsfield Community Church

Mt Evelyn Evangelical Church

Southern Christian Fellowship

Truth and Liberation Concern

2808 Wesleyan Methodist Church

2899 Other Protestant, nec

Apostolic Christian Church of God (Nazarene)

Association of the Church of God in Australia

Huon Community Churches

Hussite Church (Czechoslovak Church)

29 Other Christian

2901 Apostolic Church of Queensland

2902 Christadelphians

2903 Christian Science

2904 Gnostic Christians

2905 Liberal Catholic Church

2906 New Apostolic Church

2907 New Churches (Swedenborgian)

Australian Friends of the New Revelation

Conference of the New Church in Australia

General Church of the New Jerusalem

2908 Ratana (Maori)

2911 Religious Science

Divine Science

Infinite Way Study Centres

International New Thought Alliance

New Thought Centres

Science of Mind Study Groups

The Seeker's Christian Fellowship

United Church of Religious Science

Unity

Unity School of Christianity

2912 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

2913 Temple Society

2914 Unitarian

2915 Worldwide Church of God


continued



2999 Other Christian, nec

Apostolic Church of Holland

Apostolic Society

Australian Catholic Church

Bible Students (Millenial Dawnists/Bereans)

Catholic Apostolic Church

Catholic Traditionalist Movement (Pius X Society)

Christian Bible Students (New Covenant Fellowship)

Christian Churches of God

Christian Israelite Church

Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Christo)

Church of God International

Church of God (Seventh Day)

Church of God (Seventh Day) - Messianic Jews

Church of the Kingdom of God (Friends of Man)

Father Divine - Peace Mission Movement

Global Church of God

House of David

Metropolitan Community Churches

Molokans (Church of the True Christians)

Moral Rearmament, Australia

Nameless House Church

Old Catholic Church (Utrecht)

Philadelphia Church of God

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ

Restored Apostolic Sending Congregations

The Family

United Church of God


continued



3 HINDUISM

301 Hinduism

3011 Hinduism

Ananda Marga

Arya Samaj (reformed Hinduism)

Bhakti Yoga

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (Raja Yoga Centres)

Chinmaya Mission South

Divine Light Centre (Beaconsfield WA)

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Krishnamurti Australia

Meher Baba Foundation of Australia

Meher Baba Groups

Raja Yoga

Rajneesh Meditation Centres

Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society

Sahaja Yoga

Sant Mat

Satyananda Yoga Ashrams (International Yoga Fellowships)

Self Realisation Fellowship

Siddha Yoga

Sri Aurobindo Society

Sri Chinmoy Centres

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centres

The Free Daist Avataric Communion

Transcendental Meditation

4 ISLAM

401 Islam

4011 Islam

Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Australia

Alawites (Nusayris)

Ismailis (Seveners)

Ithna'asharis (Twelvers)

Shia

Sufism

Sunni

Zaydis

5 JUDAISM

501 Judaism

5011 Judaism

Australian Unions for Progressive Judaism

Chassidic Movement

Orthodox Judaism


continued



6 OTHER RELIGIONS



603 Baha'i

6031 Baha'i


6051 Ancestor Veneration

6052 Confucianism

6053 Taoism

6059 Chinese Religions, nec

607 Druse

6071 Druse


6111 Shinto

6112 Sukyo Mahikari

6113 Tenrikyo

6119 Japanese Religions, nec


6131 Animism

6132 Druidism

6133 Paganism

6134 Pantheism

6135 Wiccan/Witchcraft

6139 Nature Religions, nec

Shaminist

Voodoo

615 Sikhism

6151 Sikhism

617 Spiritualism

6171 Spiritualism

Associated Christian Spiritualist Churches

Church of Psychic Survival (Melbourne)

International Council of Spiritualists Inc

London Street Spiritualist Church

Progressive Spiritualist Church

Spiritual Church (Brisbane)

Unaffiliated Spiritualist Groups

Victorian Spiritualist Union

White Eagle Lodge


6991 Caodaism

6992 Church of Scientology

6993 Eckankar

6994 Rastafarianism

6995 Satanism


continued



6996 Theosophy

Anthroposophy

Arcane School

Australian Church of Antioch

Church Universal and Triumphant

" I AM" Religious Movement

Independent Church of Australia

Orthodox Catholic Church of Australia

Orthodox Church of Christ the King

The Christian Community in Australia

The Theosophical Fellowship Ltd (Church of Maitreya)

Theosophical Society (Pasadena) Australian Section

6997 Jainism

6998 Zoroastrianism

6999 Religious Groups, nec

Aetherius Society (Flying Saucer Group)

Association for Research and Enlightenment

Builders of the Adytum

Foundation of Revelation

Gnostic Institute of Anthropology

Gurdjieff

Inner Peace Movement

Lectorium Rosicrucianum

Order of Omega Rosy Cross (International Metaphysical Ministry

Inc)

Rosicrucianism

Sabians (Christians of St John the Baptist)

Subud

The Grail Movement of Australia

Unification Church (Moonies)

Universal Brotherhood of Faithists

Uranita Book Study Groups

7 NO RELIGION

701 No Religion

7011 Agnosticism

7012 Atheism

7013 Humanism

7014 Rationalism


continued



0001 Not Stated

0002 Religious Belief, nfd

0003 Not Defined

0004 New Age, so described

0005 Theism

2000 Christian, nfd

2001 Apostolic Church, so described

2002 Church of God, so described

2003 Australian Christian Churches, so described

2004 New Church Alliance, so described

2110 Churches of Christ, nfd

2150 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, nfd

2210 Oriental Orthodox, nfd

2220 Assyrian Apostolic, nfd

2230 Eastern Orthodox, nfd

2250 Presbyterian and Reformed, nfd

2400 Pentecostal, nfd

2800 Other Protestant, nfd

2900 Other Christian, nfd

6050 Chinese Religions, nfd

6110 Japanese Religions, nfd

6130 Nature Religions, nfd

7010 No Religion, nfd

L I S T OF SU P P L E M E N T A R Y

CO D E S

Supplementary codes are not part of the classification structure. Although the list

provided below contains all possible nfd codes, a number of them will not be required

for use in many applications. The not defined and not stated codes will be needed in

most coding processes. A more detailed explanation of supplementary codes and their

application is provided in the Supplementary codes section of the Introduction.

AP P L I C A T I O N OF CO D E S

Supplementary codes are used to process inadequately described responses in statistical

collections. The supplementary codes listed below are of three types:

! four-digit codes ending with one or more zeros used to code responses which

cannot be coded to the detailed level of the classification but can be coded to a

higher level of the classification structure (not further defined (nfd) codes);

! four-digit codes commencing with zero used to code responses which cannot be

allocated to a category at any level of the classification (not defined/not stated

codes); and

! four-digit codes that classify responses which, while lacking sufficient information to

code to a specific narrow group, provide useful information which are of particular

interest or meet special needs.

NA T U R E OF CO D E S


A P P E N D I X 1 S U P P L E M E N T A R Y CO D E S

2000 A Course in Miracles

2071 AAFM (Friars Minor Fransiscan)

6011 Aboriginal

2801 Aboriginal Bible Fellowship

2801 Aboriginal Christian Fellowship

6011 Aboriginal Dreaming

2801 Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship (AEF)


2801 Aboriginal Inland Mission (AIM)

2171 Aboriginal Lutheran

2801 Aboriginal Mission

2499 Aboriginal Pentecostal

2801 Aboriginal People's Church

6011 Aboriginal Spirituality

2801 Aborigines' Bible Fellowship WA Inc (ABF)

2001 AC

2401 ACA

2413 Adelaide Revival

0002 Adherent

2806 Adonai Messianic Fellowship (Jewish)

3011 Advaitavedanta

2902 Advanced Christadelphian

2311 Adventist

2311 Adventist Christian

2311 Adventist Reform Movement

2311 Adventist, Seventh Day

2402 AE God

2801 AEF

1266.0 Australian Standard Classification of Religious ......The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) developed the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG)

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