Introduction

Interactions between the State and religion in Australia are not just a modern phenomenon. There have been a number of recent events which have brought that interaction between the State and religion in Australia to greater public attention. The interaction between the State and religion is often described as being between State and church. With the increasing diversity of Australia's religious community, it is just as accurate to say that there is an interaction between Mosque and State, Temple and State, or Synagogue and State. There is a line between religion and culture, particularly in relation to religious practice. The issue of Indigenous spirituality cannot be separated from the broader issues of decolonisation and the recognition of Indigenous peoples' rights. In the study of the relationship between the State and religion, learned minds may differ on the desirability of many laws and changes in law considered. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.