The Catholic Church has historically been one of the most powerful institutions in Australia, influencing both sides of politics.




But now the Church is in steep decline with dwindling congregations and fewer and fewer donations. 




In response to its current crisis, a once-in-a-century meeting is being organised to discuss the future of Catholicism in Australia.




This plenary is pitting church reformists against conservatives, with Cardinal George Pell making a surprise return to the country to try and influence the debate.




Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the influence the Catholic Church has on Australia, and the battle for its future.




Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.




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The Catholic Church has historically been one of the most powerful institutions in Australia, influencing both sides of politics. But now the Church is in steep decline with dwindling congregations and fewer and fewer donations.  In response to its current crisis, a once-in-a-century meeting is being organised to discuss the future of Catholicism in Australia. This plenary is pitting church reformists against conservatives, with Cardinal George Pell making a surprise return to the country to try and influence the debate. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the influence the Catholic Church has on Australia, and the battle for its future. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

The Catholic Church has historically been one of the most powerful institutions in Australia, influencing both sides of politics.But now the Church is in steep decline with dwindling congregations and fewer and fewer donations.&nbsp;In respon...

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