Religion and religiosity are about the “4 Bs” of believing, bonding, behaving and belonging, reflecting their spiritual, cognitive, emotional, moral and social dimensions. According to the 2016 census, the percentage of Australians with a religious affiliation was 60.35 per cent. Research also shows that on balance, notwithstanding the negativities, religion adds to the social capital or social wealth of a nation. Religion and spirituality are concerned with the fundamental values of love, care, hope and interconnectedness. The strength of faith communities is their grassroots connectedness and their interface with government leaders and authorities.
