A local pastor said the results demonstrate that many local people no longer trust the church after the Royal Commission into sexual abuse.

“If we look at the last five or six years during the Royal Commission, all the people have been hearing is that churches aren't a safe place,” Salt Ministries Bomaderry pastor Peter Dover said.

“In truth, the light has come and shone on some practices in churches that have been quite horrific.

“It’s been horrific, the gross misconduct of the church, and that changes peoples’ view of God.

“We have to somehow win back the trust of the people.”

‘No religion’ wasn’t even a census option until 2016.

But, when given the option, it was the most prominent choice for Australians, and Shoalhaven residents were no different, with 28 per cent choosing ‘no religion’ under the religious affiliation question.

Next, Shoalhaven residents identified with the Anglican Church (25 per cent), Catholicism (21 per cent), and the Uniting Church (four per cent).

Pastor Dover said over time, people have become more skeptical of spiritual leaders.

“Fifty years ago, if a minister or pastor said something to you it was just accepted as truth," he said.

“But we’re all fallible, and people know that.”

He said Nowra churches have worked to rebuild trust through community outreach projects.

“Safe Shelter Shoalhaven has been so powerful,” he said.

“Eighteen churches coming together to be kind to most vulnerable people.”

The draw-card for many who still attend services is the sense of community at church.

“In Bomaderry, there are a lot of people that are isolated that want to have fellowship,” he said.

“Ultimately the church is offering a spiritual connection to God, and a connection to each other.”