Australia’s population is becoming increasingly multilingual, with more than half
(53%) of those born overseas and migrating to Australia able to speak a language
other than English (LOTE). Only one tenth of migrants identified their ability to
speak English as ‘not well or not at all’
Churches can potentially offer a sense of belonging and friendships for migrants
who may be feeling voiceless or struggling with their ability to communicate. Churches
can also provide migrants with practical and pastoral support in settling into a
new country, and opportunities to explore or strengthen faith in Christ. This Fact
Sheet focuses on that ministry potential by exploring the engagement of churches
with congregations from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB).
Author/s: Duncum, I., Hancock, N & Powell, R.
Price: Free
Reference:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011).Australia, Census of Population and Housing
Basic Community Profile, Tables B09 and B11, Catalogue number 2001.0.
Powell, R., (2011) [computer file], 2011 NCLS Operations Survey, NCLS Research,
Sydney.
Duncum, I., Hancock, N & Powell, R. (2014) Local Church Engagement with Non-English
Speaking Churches: NCLS Research Fact Sheet 14009. Adelaide: Mirrabooka Press.
Please click the link below to download.