Australia Presbyterianism

timeline showing presbyterian denominations in australia on past 100 years, , movement of congregations 1 another

in australia, presbyterianism fourth largest denomination of christianity, 600,000 australians claiming presbyterian in 2006 commonwealth census. presbyterian churches founded in each colony, links church of scotland , others free church. there congregations originating united presbyterian church of scotland number founded john dunmore lang. of these bodies merged between 1859 , 1870, , in 1901 formed federal union called presbyterian church of australia retaining state assemblies. presbyterian church of eastern australia representing free church of scotland tradition, , congregations in victoria of reformed presbyterian church, ireland, other existing denominations dating colonial times.

in 1977, 2 thirds of presbyterian church of australia, along of congregational union of australia , methodist church of australasia, combined form uniting church in australia. third did not unite had various reasons acting, cultural attachment conservative theological or social views. permission ordination of women given in 1974 rescinded in 1991 without affecting 2 or 3 existing woman ministers. approval of women elders given in 1960s has been rescinded in states except new south wales, has largest membership. theology of church conservative , reformed. number of small presbyterian denominations have arisen since 1950s through migration or schism.