Religion
Religion in the UK Today
The UK is historically a Christian country, but people of all faiths live here — and many people follow no religion at all.
How Many People Believe?
According to surveys, about 70% of people identify as Christian. Around 4% are Muslim, 2% Hindu, 1% Sikh, and smaller numbers are Jewish, Buddhist, or follow other religions. About 21% say they have no religion.
The Church of England
In England, the Church of England (Anglican Church) is the official state church. The monarch is the Supreme Governor. The Church of England is a Protestant church that has existed since the Reformation in the 1530s.
The Church of Scotland (the Kirk) is Presbyterian — it has no bishops and is not controlled by the state. In Wales, the Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920. Northern Ireland has both Protestant and Catholic communities.
Other Religions
The UK has mosques, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, Jewish synagogues, and Buddhist temples. Everyone has the legal right to choose their religion — or to choose none.
Patron Saints
Each UK nation has a patron saint with a feast day: St George (England, 23 April), St Andrew (Scotland, 30 November), St David (Wales, 1 March), St Patrick (Northern Ireland, 17 March).
Religious Festivals
- Christmas (25 Dec) and Easter (March/April) — the main Christian festivals
- Diwali (Oct/Nov) — Hindu and Sikh festival of lights
- Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha — Muslim festivals
- Hanukkah — Jewish festival of lights (Nov/Dec)
- Vaisakhi (April) — Sikh new year and harvest festival