Religion of England

Introduction

Religion in England is characterized by a variety of beliefs and practices that has historically been dominated by Christianity. Christianity remains the largest religion, though it makes up less than half of the population. As of the 2021 census, there is an increasing variety of beliefs, with irreligious people outnumbering each of the other religions. 

The Church of England is the nation's established state church, whose supreme governor is the monarch. Other Christian traditions in England include Roman Catholicism, Methodism, Presbyterianism, Mormonism, and the Baptists. After Christianity, the religions with the most adherents are Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Buddhism, modern paganism, and the Bahá'í Faith.There are also organisations promoting irreligion, including humanism and atheism. According to the 2021 census, Shamanism is the fastest growing religion in England.

Many of England's most notable buildings and monuments are religious in nature: Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral. The festivals of Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated in the country.

Canterbury Cathedral 

The Most Predominant Religions in England

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Christianity: The dominant religion, with the Church of England being the established church.
• No religion: A large and growing segment of the population identifies with no religion.
• Islam: The second largest religion, with a notable presence in cities and larger towns.
• Hinduism: The third largest religion, often practiced by people of Indian descent.
• Sikhism: A significant religious group, particularly in London, with a history of Sikh communities in Britain.
• Buddhism: While not as widespread as other religions, Buddhism has a growing following, particularly in London.
• Other Religions: There are also smaller communities practicing Catholicism, Jainism, and other faiths.
• Judaism: Now, the presence of the Jewish culture and Jews in England today is one of the largest in the world

London stands out as the most religiously diverse region in England. Notably, the 2021 census revealed that for the first time, more people aged 66 and under identified as having "No religion" than as "Christian." This indicates a continuing trend towards secularization within the country.

Conclusion

The religious landscape of England is dynamic and evolving. While Christianity still holds a significant place, the growth of another religions and the increasing presence of diverse faiths are reshaping the religious identity of the nation. This evolving landscape presents ongoing discussions about the role of religion in society and public life.

To review

https://wordwall.net/resource/91988443 

Have you ever questioned your religious or spiritual beliefs? What was the outcome of that reflection?

Bibliography

Roskams, M. (2022, 29 noviembre). Religion, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/culturalidentity/religion/bulletins/religionenglandandwales/census2021/previous/v1#:~:text=Download%20the%20data&text=As%20in%202011%2C%20the%20most,the%20religion%20question%20between%20censuses.