Religion and religious freedom
The UK is historically a Christian country. In the 2011 Census, 59% of people said they were Christian. Smaller groups identified as Muslim (4.8%), Hindu (1.5%), Sikh (0.8%), and Jewish or Buddhist (each less than 0.5%). About a quarter of people said they had no religion.
Everyone has the legal right to choose their religion, or to choose not to practise a religion.
In England the Church of England (also called the Anglican Church) is the established, or state, church. The monarch is the head of the Church of England. The spiritual leader is the Archbishop of Canterbury. The monarch has the right to select the Archbishop and other senior church officials, usually on the advice of the Prime Minister.
In Scotland the national church is the Church of Scotland, which is a Presbyterian church. It is governed by ministers and elders. The chairperson of its General Assembly is the Moderator, appointed for one year only.
There is no established church in Wales or Northern Ireland. Other Christian groups include Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Quakers and Roman Catholics (about 10% of the population).
Key facts
- Church of England — the monarch is its head; the Archbishop of Canterbury is its spiritual leader.
- Church of Scotland — Presbyterian, led by a Moderator appointed for one year.
- No established church in Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Everyone is free to choose their religion or to have none.
Memory tips
- England has a bishop at the top (Archbishop of Canterbury); Scotland has a Moderator who changes every year.
Practice questions
1. Who is the head of the Church of England?
- The Archbishop of Canterbury
- The monarch
- The Prime Minister
- The Pope
Show answer
The monarch is the head of the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is its spiritual leader.
2. Who is the spiritual leader of the Church of England?
- The Archbishop of Canterbury
- The Archbishop of York
- The Moderator
- The monarch
Show answer
The spiritual leader of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
3. What is the national church of Scotland?
- The Church of England
- The Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian church
- The Roman Catholic Church
- The Methodist Church
Show answer
The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian church, governed by ministers and elders.
4. How long is the Moderator of the Church of Scotland appointed for?
- One year
- Five years
- For life
- Until age 70
Show answer
The Moderator chairs the General Assembly and is appointed for one year only.
5. Which TWO parts of the UK have no established church?
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Show answer
There is no established church in Wales or Northern Ireland.
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