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Sydney’s social landscape is defined by its religious diversity and low crime rate, reflecting a city that balances tradition, secularism, and public safety.
According to the 2021 census, Christianity remains the most practiced religion in Sydney, accounting for 46% of the population. The leading denominations include Catholicism (23.1%) and Anglicanism (9.2%). However, there has been a notable shift towards secularism, with 30.3% of residents identifying as having no religion, highlighting a significant trend toward non-religious worldviews.
Non-Christian faiths are also strongly represented. Islam (6.3%), Hinduism (4.8%), Buddhism (3.8%), Sikhism (0.7%), and Judaism (0.7%) reflect the multicultural makeup of the city. Additionally, around 500 individuals identified with traditional Aboriginal spiritual beliefs, underscoring the enduring presence of Indigenous cultures.
Sydney’s religious heritage dates back to its early colonial years. Initially, the Church of England was the sole recognized church, but Governor Macquarie's appointment of Catholic chaplains in 1820 and the construction of historic churches like St Matthew’s and St Andrew’s marked the beginning of a broader religious inclusion. Religious organizations have since been instrumental in developing education, healthcare, and community services across the city.
On the public safety front, Sydney has consistently been rated as one of the world’s safest cities. In 2019, The Independent ranked it fifth globally for safety. While general crime rates remain low, drug use remains a concern. Sydney has a high rate of methamphetamine consumption, while heroin use is less common.
A major crime-prevention policy—the lockout laws introduced in February 2014—sought to curb alcohol-fueled violence by restricting entry to bars and nightclubs after 1:30 a.m. and enforcing last drinks by 3:00 a.m. These controversial laws were repealed in January 2020, following debate over their impact on nightlife and business.
Together, Sydney’s religious diversity and generally low crime levels illustrate a dynamic city that respects both spiritual traditions and public safety, while continuing to evolve with modern values and challenges.