Religion in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is traditionally a Christian country, with two of the Home nations having official faiths:

Anglicanism, in the form of the Church of England, is the established church in England. The Queen is Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
The Church of Scotland, a presbyterian church, is the national church of Scotland. The Queen is an ordinary member of the Church of Scotland.
The Anglican Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920.
The Anglican Church of Ireland was disestablished in 1871.

History

Before Christianity

Paganism in the British Isles was supplemented by the arrival of Roman religion: see, for example, the Temple of Mithras, London.

Christianity

Christianity was first introduced through the Romans (English mythology links the introduction of Christianity to Britain to the Glastonbury legend of Joseph of Arimathea) and the Romano-British population after the withdrawal of the Roman legions was mostly Christian. However the Anglo-Saxon invasions largely wiped out Christianity from the areas occupied by the Saxons - although whether this was due to conversion of the native population or ethnic cleansing of the original population is widely disputed. What is not disputed is that Anglo-Saxon England was largely pagan by the 7th century.

Ireland was converted largely by Romano-British missionaries - notably Saint Patrick at some time after the withdrawal of the Roman legions from England. Irish Christianity developed in a monastic style. Celtic missionaries from Ireland spread Celtic Christianity then came to Scotland - notably through Saint Columba and later the Kingdom of Northumbria. Many works of art and faith were inspired, such as the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Augustine of Canterbury was sent by Pope Gregory to establish an English church loyal to Rome starting in the Kingdom of Kent - which had strong links to the Franks, including the Kentish King's wife who invited Augustine to England. See History of the Church of England.

Bede's Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum describes the history of the English church.

The Synod of Whitby attempted to reconcile differences of religious practice, particularly between the Celtic Church and the Roman Church. The outcome was that Cuthbert, the leader of Celtic Christianity accepted the Petrine Authority that Augustine and Rome claimed. Until the Reformation established different religious practices in different territories of what is now the United Kingdom, Christianity in the islands generally looked to Rome for spiritual guidance, although figures such as Stephen Langton and John Wyclif and movements such as Lollardy occasionally posed challenges to the dominance of the Rome-based hierarchy.

The Bible was eventually translated into vernacular languages in the United Kingdom: see, for example, Wyclif's Bible, William Tyndale, William Morgan and Welsh Bible.

From the Reformation to established national churches

The religious history of the countries now comprising the United Kingdom has been turbulent and often violent.

In response to a rising tide of Reformation sentiment and his own dynastic difficulties, Henry VIII of England cut ties with the Papacy, announcing himself as the supreme head of the Church in England. In Scotland the Reformation was more of a grass roots movement than an imposition by the Crown. Continuing adherence by a majority of the population to Roman Catholicism in Ireland ensured unstable and violent relations between the nations of the isles. By the late 17th century a political settlement of religious questions had re-established stability, if not general conformism (see Act of Settlement 1701 and Act of Security). For more detail of this period see the following articles:

Scotland

For more information on the history of the Reformation in Scotland, see also John Knox, Jenny Geddes, and Bishops' Wars.

Since the Reformation in Scotland was more influenced by Calvinism than in England, the established church is Presbyterian. The Scottish Episcopal Church, the Anglican church of Scotland and sister-church to the establish Church of England, is a minor church without the status of state religion.

Divisions within Presbyterianism in Scotland have led to the setting up of other denominations:

Northern Ireland

The vast majority of the population of Northern Ireland identifies with one of two different groups, unionists and nationalists. Both sides of the community are often described by their predominant religious attachments. Unionists, predominantly Protestant, belong to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the second in terms of size is the Church of Ireland), while nationalists are predominantly Catholic.

Roman Catholicism

Relations between adherents of Protestantism and the Roman Catholic Church have at times been difficult (see Papist and Popery). Catholics who clung to their faith in the face of persecution were called recusants. Following Catholic Emancipation in the late 18th and early 19th century (which met violent opposition in the Gordon riots) the Catholic Church in Great Britain re-established a hierarchy in 1850. Since then Anglican and Catholic worship has grown in similarity in many parishes: see Anglo-Catholicism and the Oxford Movement. Some problems of sectarianism still remain, particularly in Northern Ireland.

For more detail on Catholic history in England, see English Catholic parish histories.

Other Christian denominations

Other traditions of Christianity have a long history. There has been a strain of Nonconformism or Dissent traceable back to Lollardry. For more information on some of these groupings, especially those that came to prominence during the religious ferment of the 16th and 17th centuries, see English Dissenters.

Britain provided a place of refuge for Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in France.

Many parts of the British Isles developed a strong tradition of Methodism from the 18th century onwards. For more information, see:

Orthodoxy has more recently been re-introduced to the United Kingdom by Cypriot, Russian and other immigrants (see, for example, Anthony Bloom and Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas), but increasing numbers of British converts are joining formerly ethnically-based congregations.

Among other denominations are:

Religion and modern politics

The strength of nonconformism among workers in the newly-industrialised towns of the Industrial Revolution gave rise, in large measure, to the development of Christian socialism in the United Kingdom. The Labour Party arose from a nonconformist background, whereas the Church of England was often nicknamed "the Conservative Party at prayer" (but see Benjamin Disraeli).

As religious disabilities were relaxed in the 19th century, politics was opened up to people of different faiths or none (see Charles Bradlaugh). However, the Church of England still maintains a constitutional position in the legislature: see Lord Spiritual.

The debate over the role of the churches in the constitution is perennial in British politics:

Secularism and tolerance

Despite its Christian tradition, the number of churchgoers fell over the last half of the 20th century. Society in the United Kingdom is markedly more secular than in the past, and atheism is also widespread. See Status of religious freedom in the United Kingdom.

Until recently, daily acts of Christian worship were required in schools (the "school assembly"), but in the light of a greater religious mix among parents and pupils this requirement has been relaxed. Religious studies is still an obligatory subject in the curriculum, but tends to aim at providing an understanding of the main faiths of the world than at instilling a strictly Christian viewpoint.

Ecumenical rapprochement has gradually developed between denominations.

However, religious conflicts may arise. See, for example, The Satanic Verses (novel), and Religious rivalry in Glasgow.

As of 2004, consultation on proposals to update the blasphemy law in the United Kingdom are ongoing.

There being no strict separation of church and state in the United Kingdom, public officials may in general display religious symbols in the course of their duties - for example, turbans. School uniform codes are generally drawn up flexibly enough to accommodate religious dress. Chaplains are provided in the armed forces (see Royal Army Chaplains' Department) and in prisons.

Judaism

Until the 20th century Judaism was the only noticeable non-Christian religion (see, for example: History of the Jews in England), having first appeared (at least in historical records) during the Norman Conquest of 1066. In fact, from 1290 to 1656, Judaism did not officially exist in England due to an outright expulsion in 1290 and official restrictions that were not lifted until 1656 (though historical records that some Jews did come back to England during the early part of the 17th century prior to the lifting of the restriction). In addition, the Jewish community has historically suffered expulsions, official restrictions and discrimination, and outbreaks of communal violence - some of which are catalogued at History of anti-Semitism; however, in the 19th and 20th centuries, British society was considered more tolerant of Jews than most other European nations, especially the ones from Germany on east.

Other faiths

More recently, immigration has led to the introduction of other religions that are popular amongst ethnic minorities, such as Islam (see Islam in the United Kingdom), Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, as well as Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian movements.

Religious diversity has led Charles, Prince of Wales to muse publicly on the desirability of being Defender of Faith rather than Defender of the Faith.

Religions claiming pre-Christian British origins, such as Wicca and Neo-druidism, retain some followers, although following many centuries of official persecution they are understandably practised rather discreetly. In October 2004 a Royal Navy technician, Chris Cranmer, attracted media attention by registering as a satanist. A spokesman for the Royal Navy said: "We are an equal opportunities employer and we don't stop anybody from having their own religious values."

Saints

Traditionally, saints have often been venerated both locally and nationally. This is often reflected in British toponymy.

Patron saints:

Saint George - England
Saint Andrew - Scotland
Saint David - Wales
Saint Patrick - Ireland

Many municipalities and regions preserve traditions of their own saints. See, for example, Cornish Saints and Saint Swithun.

Saint Alban was, according to tradition, the first Christian martyr in Britain. Other martyrs, such as the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, have also been canonised.

Pilgrimages were an important religious, social and economic activity in pre-Reformation Britain. The shrine of Thomas Becket attracted particularly large numbers of pilgrims, as recounted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Some local pilgrimages have been revived; see, for example, the shrines of Walsingham.

Monasticism

Ancient monasticism in the British Isles spread Christianity to the furthest parts of the archipelago, but the Reformation led to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Monastic communities have been re-established.

Religious leaders

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the established Church of England
- List of Anglican diocesan bishops in Britain and Ireland
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland presides over, but does not lead, the Church of Scotland
The Primus of Scotland is the presiding bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church
The Archbishop of Westminster is the leader of the Roman Catholic bishops in England
The Primate of All Ireland exercises his ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Northern Ireland as well as the Republic of Ireland
The Chief Rabbi is the title of the leader of Orthodox Judaism in the British Isles - see List of Chief Rabbis
- The Board of Deputies of British Jews represents Jewish opinion
The Moderator of the General Assembly, of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, presides over, but does not lead, the Church.

Notable places of worship

The varied religious and ethnic history of the United Kingdom has left a wide range of buildings - churches, cathedrals, chapels, chapels of ease, synagogues, mosques and temples - across the country. Changing social and demographic profiles mean that in some areas redundant religious buildings are being converted to secular purposes. In other locations, new places of worship are being established. Here is a selection of articles on notable places of worship in the United Kingdom:

List of cathedrals in the United Kingdom
Westminster Abbey - Anglican
York Minster - Anglican
Neasden Temple - Hindu
Finsbury Park mosque - Islamic
Victoria Park Mosque - Islamic
Westminster Central Hall - Methodist
Metropolitan Tabernacle - Baptist
Westminster Cathedral - Roman Catholic
Mill Hill Synagogue - Jewish
Kagyu Samyé Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre - Buddhist
Crathie Kirk - Church of Scotland

Statistics

In the 2001 census data, people were asked about their beliefs.

Religions in England & Wales, 2001

Religion	England	%ge	Wales	%ge
Christian	35,251,244	71.7	2,087,242	71.9
Muslim	1,524,887	3.1	21,739	0.7
Hindu	546,982	1.1	5,439	0.2
Sikh	327,343	0.7	2,015	0.1
Jewish	257,671	0.5	2,256	0.1
Buddhist	139,046	0.3	5,407	0.2
Any other religion	143,811	0.3	6,909	0.2
No religion	7,171,332	14.6	537,935	18.5
Religion not stated	3,776,515	7.7	234,143	8.1

The 2001 UK census also included responses from 390,127 people (or 0.7% of the population of England and Wales) who gave their religion as the parody religion, Jedi.

A survey[1] in 2002 found average weekly attendance at Anglican churches in England varied between 4.0% of the population in the diocese of Hereford, down to just 1.4% in Birmingham. Church attendance at Christmas in some dioceses was up to three times the average for the rest of the year.

A 2004 YouGov poll found that 44 per cent of UK citizens believe in God, while 35 per cent do not [2]. The disparity between the census data and the YouGov data has been put down to a phenomenon described as "cultural Christianity", whereby many who do not believe in God still identify with the religion they were bought up as, or the religion of their parents.

Beside the Roman Catholic Church (Eglwys Catholig Rufeinig) and the Church in Wales (Eglwys yng Nghymru), which both have less than 5 % of the population as members, the largest religious societies are the Presbyterian Church of Wales (Eglwys Bresbyteraidd Cymru) with 34,819 (2004) members and 1 % of the population as members and the Union of Welsh Independents (Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg) as well as the Baptist Union of Wales (Undeb Bedydd wyr Cymru) with about 1 % of the population as members each.

Religions in Northern Ireland, 2001

Denomination	Adherents	%ge
Presbyterian Church in Ireland	348,742	20.7
Church of Ireland	257,788	15.3
Methodist Church in Ireland	59,173	3.5
Other Christian (Including Christian Related)	102,221	6.1
(Total non-catholic Christian)	767,924	45.6
Catholic	678,462	40.3
Other Religions and Philosophies	5,028	0.3
No Religion or Religion not Stated	233,853	13.8

Source: Census 2001. Figures for Scotland are not publicly available.

Religions in Scotland, 2001

Religion/Denomination	%ge
Church of Scotland	42
Roman Catholic	16
Other Christian	7
Islam	0.8
Buddhism	0.2
Sikhism	0.1
Judaism	0.1
Hinduism	0.1
Other Religion	0.5
No Religion	28
Religion not Stated	5

Source: 2001 Census on Religion in Scotland. Non-proportional numbers not available.

External links

BBC What the World Thinks of God television programme

Christian churches

Islam

Muslim Council of Great Britain

Atheism