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Last Thursday, we witnessed something truly remarkable. The Australian Christian Freedom Index (ACFI) launch at Parliament House exceeded even our highest hopes — and God’s generosity was unmistakable.

We’d hoped for interest. We’d prayed that parliamentarians might recognise the erosion of Christian freedom — a concern that has often been dismissed or minimised.

But what we witnessed was far more. Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum — not just one or two, but many — acknowledged the findings, expressed genuine concern, and spoke of freedom as a shared national value.

Even more striking, some parliamentarians gave in-principle support for one of the report’s key recommendations — an Australian Freedom Act to safeguard freedom of speech, religion, thought, and association.

The video recording of the ACFI Launch is now available. The ACFI co-authors’ short presentations are vital viewing, as are the responses from parliamentarians representing their respective parties — watch and see the openness for yourself.

ACFI Fast Facts

Based on 10,808 Australian Christians surveyed, the findings are stark:

• 92% said it is riskier to publicly affirm Christian beliefs than five years ago.
• 73% felt pressured to keep their Christian beliefs private.
• 42% experienced hostility, threats, or harassment for expressing a Christian worldview.
• 25% were denied opportunities in work, volunteering, or leadership because of their beliefs.
• 74 laws have been enacted over the past 25 years that have narrowed Christian freedom in Australia – with nearly half of those laws passed in the last 5 years.

Amazing Media Coverage

On the launch day alone, over 120 media outlets — print, radio, television, and online — with a combined reach of more than 8 million Australians covered the ACFI. This is nothing short of extraordinary.

That night, Andrew Bolt, one of Australia’s most prominent opinion commentators, interviewed Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby (be sure to watch the interview below).

Bolt’s conclusion about the ACFI Report’s concerning findings?

“For a start, the Christian leaders of Australia should stand up. Every Christian should profess their faith. And I say that as an agnostic.”

How do we explain this remarkable response — from media, from political leaders across the spectrum, from Parliament itself? We can only point to Ephesians 3:20–21:

“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus”.

Without any doubt, your prayers and support for this vital project have been answered — in ways that were above and beyond all that we asked for or thought. For all your prayers for the ACFI over the past several months — we cannot say thank you enough. All glory to God!

Make a Stand for Freedom

We strongly encourage you to obtain your own copy of the ACFI Report here — whether a physical copy ($34 plus postage) or the free digital version — and share copies with Christian and political leaders in your sphere of influence. The common comment we receive is how professional, well-presented and compelling the report is. We agree!

This email marks the beginning of our end-of-year June appeal. We’re building a matching fund over the next week or so, which means your donation or a promise of a donation today will likely be doubled by month’s end.

To any donor who gives $50 or more during June, the Canberra Declaration will send you a copy of the ACFI Report — as our thanks, and as a tool to place in the hands of Christian and parliamentary leaders (state and federal) in your community.

To donate, click the orange button below.

Important: Please include “ACFI” in the comment box and provide your postal address — we can’t send the report without it. If donating by direct deposit, email us your details here.

When you get your own a copy of the ACFI Report and you want to send it to  your local federal MP, click here to find their postal address. Ensure you include a personal letter to them with the report and explain why it is important to you.

Thank you for your prayers — to the God who has done above and beyond all we asked for or thought. Your prayers and intercession are making a genuine difference.

Yours for freedom, the gospel and our nation,

Samuel Hartwich & Warwick Marsh