Demand for church services in languages other than English is growing, reflecting the multiculural mix of congregations. AFP PHOTO/Thony BELIZAIRE Source: AFP
GROWTH in the number of non-English church services is bucking the trend of declining church attendance, the Uniting Church of SA says.
Uniting Church of SA multicultural and cross-cultural officer Dave Williamson says national surveys report that multicultural services are growing.
"The Uniting Church in SA is definitely increasing the number of non-English services it delivers to meet growing demand," he said.
"As the demographic of society changes and communities change, we aim to meet the needs of our multicultural and cross-cultural communities."
The National Church Life Survey revealed a 5 per cent drop between 2001 and 2011 in the number of Australian-born respondents attending church.
But there were rises in the proportion of respondents born in non-English-speaking countries and those whose parents were born in similar countries. There also was an increase among those who were born in another country where English was the main language.
Glenunga Uniting Church has been running a weekly Spanish church service for the past year. It was set up by a small group of church members who had arrived in Adelaide from overseas.
Lead Pastor Mark Schultz said it soon ballooned in popularity, attracting couples and families from across metropolitan Adelaide.
"It seems to be growing and going pretty well," he said. "It started off with a really small number - a couple of families decided to get it going.
"We ended up having other Spanish-speaking couples and families joining them."
Mr Schultz said numbers fluctuate but about 40 had been attending the services recently. He said they were of particular benefit for those who came to Australia who did not speak English.
Those who came for work were more likely to speak English but often their family members did not.
"It's an easy way for them to fit in," he said.
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