114 - Summaries - Religion

The country [br] [am]
The people [br] [am]
Political institutions [br] [am]
Local government [br] [am]
Internat. relations [br] [am]
The legal system [br] [am]
The economy [br] [am]
Social services [br] [am]
Education [br] [am]
The media [br] [am]
Religion [br] [am]
Leisure, sport, arts [br] [am]

Despite the appearance of a largely secular contemporary society, religion and a sense of morality are still important for many British people, not least as a background to national culture.

The section on religious history gives a historical overview of religious developments in Britain and mainly concentrates on the growth of Christianity. This includes the change from a Roman-Catholic-based Church to a number of major Protestant Churches, and the establishment of many types of nonconformist Protestant groups, often as a reaction against the major denominations. A wide range of non-Christian religions has always been present in British society. Both Jewish and Muslim communities have grown as a result of immigration, especially in the twentieth century. The examination of the main churches and religious bodies in Britain today illustrates the diversity of British religious life.

The chapter concludes with certain central questions and problems with which students should be acquainted:

· co-operation among various churches, and the meaning and application of ecumenism

· the vexed question of religious instruction in the school system, particularly as Britain changes to a multicultural and multiracial society.

· institutional religion (e.g. in schools) has to prove its validity and relevance in contemporary Britain. Today all state schools are required to have an act of Christian worship (1994 Education Act). See Education chapter

· the problematic nature of religious membership and observance, and how accurate figures are difficult to obtain. The latest figures suggest that in terms of actual regular attendance the Roman Catholic Church is the biggest religious body and the Church of England is second. Note the powerful presence of Islam in contemporary British life and the estimate that it is the third largest religious group.

· religious vitality in Britain today tends to be associated with evangelical worship and smaller churches and sects

The chapter’s findings of public opinion polls as to religious and moral matters are important and the Attitudes to religion and morality section should be read carefully.