Anglicanism and National Identity in Australia Since 1962

This paper examines the way in which the Anglican Church in Australia adapted itself to the social & cultural changes that occurred in Australia after 1962. In that year the church gained a new constitution, which freed it from long-standing constraints arising from the legal ties binding it to the church in England. This freedom was used by the church to become more Australian & to reposition itself on issues relating to race, multiculturalism, & gender. By this means it incorporated within its own life changes arising in Australia from the emergence of a plural society in which women & the indigenous people came to play an important role. The concept of national identity was broadened to incorporate these developments & in altering its own stance the church brought itself into line with this new sense of identity, thus strengthening its position. Adapted from the source document.