British and French missions and colonization were closely related. The pace of Christianization varied, for Pacific Islanders and Aborigines were not just passive recipients, but actively sought advantages from conversion and formed adjustment cults. As migration increased, settler churches were formed. Lay participation was stronger than in their homelands. Resistance to the principle of establishment was considerable, though government subsidies to churches were important in certain Australian colonies.
Keywords: Aborigines, adjustment cults, Christianization, colonization, establishment, laity, missions, Pacific Islanders