Religion in the UK

While the UK has historically been a Christian country, it is now a multi-faith society. Although Christianity remains the largest religion, with 70% of people identifying as Christian in a 2009 survey, other faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism, are also practiced. Furthermore, a growing number of people, 21% in the same survey, identify with no religion.

Christian Churches

In England, the Church of England (Anglican Church) holds a unique position as the established church, with a constitutional link to the state. The monarch serves as its head, while the Archbishop of Canterbury acts as its spiritual leader.

Scotland’s national church is the Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian church with a distinct governance structure. Wales and Northern Ireland have no established church.

Various Protestant denominations, such as Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Quakers, coexist alongside the Church of England. The Roman Catholic Church also has a significant presence in the UK.

Patron Saints’ Days

Each of the four nations within the UK has a patron saint:

• Wales: St. David (March 1st)
• Northern Ireland: St. Patrick (March 17th)
• England: St. George (April 23rd)
• Scotland: St. Andrew (November 30th)

Only Scotland and Northern Ireland observe their patron saints’ days as official holidays, though celebrations and events occur across the UK, particularly in communities with strong connections to these patron saints.