Australia’s Christian freedoms are under quiet but measurable threat — and a landmark new index is sounding the alarm with evidence, urgency, and a 42-point blueprint for action.

The Australian Christian Freedom Index is the first systematic audit of its kind — measuring the legislative, institutional, social and cultural pressures on Christian belief and expression across Australia. Drawing on documented cases, a review of the statute books across nine jurisdictions, and the responses of more than 10,000 Australians, the inaugural 2025 report maps where freedom is being eroded, which institutions are most at risk, and what can be done about it.

Helping with the inaugural launch, Australian Christian Lobby CEO Michelle Pierce described its findings as both “sobering and concerning.” “Workplaces emerged as one of the most hostile environments, particularly in education and healthcare.” For example, “only 8% of Christians working in healthcare felt safe to openly share their Christian beliefs.” In other words, Peirce said, “92% of Christians working in healthcare don’t feel safe to do so.” “This is not about Christians claiming victimhood. This is about defending the freedoms that allow our society to flourish.” Such as, the ACL boss said, “Freedom of belief, freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of association.” “We constantly hear that tolerance and inclusivity are the highest of Australian values, but increasingly, inclusivity seems to stop at the point of including Christians.” In effect, Pierce argued, there is something really wrong if Christians cannot speak freely, in a free society, without fear of “intimidation, lawfare or professional punishment.” Noting the 42 recommendations, Pierce explained that this is why the Australian Christian Freedom Index’s report exists. As such, she continued, the ACFI is asking for “conscience protections for medical professionals, and the restoration of religious hiring protections for faith-based institutions.” Pierce added that the coalition is asking for “reforms to anti-discrimination and conversion therapy laws, and positive protections of fundamental freedoms in Australian law.” This could be through a referendum to attach a bill of rights to the constitution, or through a “freedoms act.” “Freedom,” Peirce concluded, “is not a threat to social cohesion. It is the foundation of it.”

Response of Christian Leaders to Australian Christian Freedom Index

“The importance of the free exercise of religion to Australia’s social fabric has historically been uncontroversial. People of all faiths and none once recognised the contribution of Christianity to Australia’s laws and customs, and of religious believers to Australian society more generally, and were content to let people of faith practice their beliefs without interference from state or society. I congratulate the authors of the Australian Christian Freedom Index for bringing to light recent attempts to minimise the role of faith in everyday life and exclude it altogether from the public square.” Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP Catholic Archbishop of Sydney

“The inaugural Australian Christian Freedom Index deserves a wide readership, especially among parliamentarians and religious leaders. Despite its title, it is not sectarian, but carefully analyses the erosion of freedoms in our country over forty years or more. Like the frog in the pot, most Australians are not aware of the diminution of religious freedom, but this careful and comprehensive analysis provides ample evidence that we must speak up against this demise in our country, “humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”, which our Constitution implores us to do.” The Rt. Rev. Dr Glenn N Davies Former Archbishop of Sydney, Anglican Church

“This study complements a growing body of research examining discrimination and vilification directed at Jewish, Muslim, and other religious minority communities in Australia. By documenting the experiences of Christians in a systematic and evidence-based manner, this report ensures that their experiences are neither overlooked nor treated as exceptional, but are situated appropriately within a shared framework of equal dignity, freedom of conscience, and mutual respect that underpins Australia’s constitutional order.” Professor Nicholas Aroney Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Queensland

“Australia is a country blessed with many freedoms and opportunities. However, we are now experiencing a winding back of many of the freedoms that we have enjoyed. I commend those involved in assembling the Australian Christian Freedom Index as an articulation of the threats to freedom we now face. It is a well-researched and superbly crafted document. While recommending it to Christian leaders and everyday believers, I particularly commend the Index to those in political leadership, that they may work to ensure that religious freedom is protected in our nation.” Most Rev. Julian Porteous, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Hobart

Read what Jesus said the world will be like prior to His return to restore righteousness. We are living in the prophesied last days before Jesus returns. Next on God’s agenda for planet Earth is Jesus Millennial Kingdom. If you want to prepare for that age go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14