Chapter 4 · A modern, thriving society
Religion: Life in the UK test study notes
The UK has a long Christian history, but people of many faiths, and of none, live here, and everyone is free to choose their beliefs. When the 2011 Census was taken, 59% described themselves as Christian, while about a quarter said they had no religion. Muslims were the next largest group at 4.8%, followed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and Buddhists. The Church of England is the established church in England. It is a Protestant church, known as Anglican. The monarch is its Supreme Governor, and the Archbishop of Canterbury is its spiritual leader. Some of its bishops have seats in the House of Lords. Scotland's national church, the Church of Scotland, is Presbyterian and its General Assembly is chaired by a Moderator who serves for one year. Wales and Northern Ireland have no established church. Each of the four nations has a patron saint with a special day, but only Scotland and Northern Ireland treat that day as an official holiday.
Key facts to remember
- 2011 Census: 59% Christian, 4.8% Muslim, 1.5% Hindu, 0.8% Sikh, Jewish and Buddhist under 0.5% each, 2% another religion and about 25% no religion.
- 2021 Census update (England and Wales): 46.2% Christian and 37.2% no religion.
- The Church of England is the established church in England; it is a Protestant church, known as Anglican.
- The monarch heads the Church of England and holds the title Supreme Governor.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Church of England's spiritual leader.
- Some Church of England bishops have seats in the House of Lords.
- The Church of Scotland is Scotland's national church; it is Presbyterian, governed by ministers and elders.
- The Moderator chairs the Church of Scotland's General Assembly and is appointed for one year.
- Wales and Northern Ireland have no established church.
- St David (Wales) – 1 March.
- St Patrick (Northern Ireland) – 17 March; an official holiday in Northern Ireland.
- St George (England) – 23 April; not a public holiday.
- St Andrew (Scotland) – 30 November; an official holiday in Scotland, although not every business closes.
Test yourself on chapter 4
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These notes summarise the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), which all the test questions come from. Try the free chapter 4 questions.