Ministry in rural and outback Australia was pioneered by which of the following set of religious initiatives? (A) Boystown and the Bush Brotherhoods (B) The Salvation Army and the Smith Family (C) Youth Off The Streets and the St Vincent de Paul Society (D) The Australian Inland Mission and the Bush Church Aid Society - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 7 - 2004 - Paper 1

1. Boystown and the Bush Brotherhoods: These organizations have worked within the community but are not prominently known for pioneering rural ministry.

2. The Salvation Army and the Smith Family: While both are significant, their focus has not been primarily on the rural and outback regions to the same extent.

3. Youth Off The Streets and the St Vincent de Paul Society: These groups target social issues but are not the primary pioneers of rural ministry.

4. The Australian Inland Mission and the Bush Church Aid Society: This option stands out as both organizations were fundamentally involved in establishing outreach and support for rural communities.

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is (D) The Australian Inland Mission and the Bush Church Aid Society, which have significantly shaped the ministry landscape in rural and outback Australia.