Uniting Church Toowoomba. They claim that through this action they took control of the demonic territorial Spirits (evil spirits) that were making the city both sinful and resistant to the gospel message. Following this, it was expected and predicted (at times through prophecies) that a great revival of Christian faith including thousands of new conversions would follow, in addition to a reduced crime rate, phenomenal church growth, improved morality, general prosperity among the population and the installation of men and women of God into government. There were further claims that this action had placed Toowoomba strategically to be a hub of the anticipated great Australian revival. This expectation of a citywide transformation, based on the teaching of North American Christian-mystic preacher George Otis Jr, failed to materialise. Christianity and the wider culture Christianity held strong influence in Australia society after British colonisation, but the influence of Christianity declined in the latter part of the 20th century. Marriage The Anglican Church has said that churches are being sidelined in the wider debate on same-sex marriage. The ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell has said, in the ACT, it will be, "unlawful for those who provide goods, services and facilities in the wedding industry to discriminate against another person on the basis of their sexuality or their relationship status. This includes discrimination by refusing to provide or make available those goods, services or facilities." During the short time that same-sex marriages took place in ACT a Uniting Church minister sought and acquired permission to perform same sex marriages. Media Liberal senator Eric Abetz has said that media felt comfortable vilifying Christian politicians. Conservative politicians are often described as being "extreme" or from the "Religious Right". He said that the Canberra press gallery gives, "more positive coverage to politicians and policies they agreed with". Schools The Anglican Church has criticised the Victorian government for cutting religious education in state schools. Some Christians have criticised the Safe Schools program (which is used in 400 primary and secondary schools) as "radical sexual experimentation". The program includes information about human sexuality and sexual orientations, as well as gender identity. Life issues Some Christians have objected to proposals to establish buffer zones around abortion clinics in both Victoria and Tasmania saying they limit the freedom to protest. See also National Council of Churches in Australia References Further reading External links National Council of Churches Australian Catholic Historical Society Evangelical