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‘The influence of a controversial Melbourne Church leader increased religion’s role in the fierce debates over conscription during the First World War. It was a time of bitter division in which religion was just one element among a combination of class, political and ethnic factors. In 1916 Labor Prime Minister Billy Hughes endeavoured to introduce compulsory overseas military service against the wishes of the majority of his party and trade unionists. The opposition and press supported Hughes. The Church of England saw that its duty was to stimulate robust patriotism and thus supported conscription. However, Catholic Archbishop Daniel Mannix became the chief speaker against conscription. He had arrived in 1913 from Ireland when it seemed certain to gain Home Rule but for the outbreak of war. The conscription debate coincided with the British government’s harsh response to the Easter rebellion in Ireland in 1916. Mannix used this to stir up opposition to fighting in what he called Britain’s ‘trade war’. The conscription issue added fuel to the fore of sectarianism.
‘Christians responded to the serious needs of a convict colony in providing orphanages, hospitals and prisoner rehabilitation centres. The Sisters of Charity set up St Vincent’s Hospital in 1857, in 1862 the Sydney City Mission was founded and the Anglican Bush Brotherhood was ministering to people in the outback. The Salvation Army began in 1883, the St Vincent De Paul Society in 1881, and in 1884 the Central Methodist Mission began. These groups, among others, have worked for the poor, the disadvantaged, indigenous Australians, alcoholics and provided shelter and food for the homeless.’