Concerned by the lack of churches in the young colony, Governor Robe introduced a scheme of religious grants in 1846, whereby churches could receive government funding based on their number of members. This was an unpopular move. South Australia prided itself on religious freedom, and an autonomy within churches and other religious groups, free of government interference. However, struggling to establish themselves and affected by the economic depression of the 1840s, many churches had borrowed heavily to erect buildings and pay clergy, and therefore accepted the grants. The scheme became an election issue in 1851, and electors voted in a majority of candidates who promised to curtail the subsidies. South Australia therefore became the first British colony with no government-supported state church.