International Portrait

International Portrait: United Kingdom (2007)


The United Kingdom has long been the home of a rich and influential Christian history, and has now become the site of a rapidly growing diversity of religions. In the past century, non-Christian religions of all types have expanded; in particular there are now significant Muslim, Hindu and Sikh religious communities. This diversity poses challenges to the government and other institutions as they seek to develop more inclusive ways of dealing with religion in public life. Diversity also poses challenges to both new immigrants and long-time British citizens of all religions as they try to maintain religious traditions and integrate into British society. Questions of how to respond to and prevent religious misunderstanding and violence have led to the development of groups dedicated to support and education of and about religious minorities, and participation in interfaith dialogue and activities. These questions and challenges place the United Kingdom at a crucial moment in its own religious history, as it seeks to foster religious pluralism.

Statistics and Demographics

In mid-2003, the total population of the United Kingdom was approximately 59.6 million. The 2001 census reported that 72 percent of the population identified as Christian, 2.7 percent Muslim (1.6 million respondents), 1 percent Hindu, 0.6 percent Sikh, and 0.5 percent Jewish. 15.5 percent of respondents stated they had no religion. The census's religion question was voluntary, but only 7.3 percent chose not to respond. Religious affiliation differs across ethnicities: of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, 92 percent were Muslims; of Indians, 45 percent were Hindus and 29 percent were Sikhs; of whites, 70 percent were Christian; and of black Caribbean and black Africans/ 75 percent and 70 percent respectively, were Christian. Religious minorities are concentrated disproportionately in London and other large urban areas. Within the Christian population, as of 2003, the Office for National Statistics indicated approximately 29 percent were Anglican, 10 percent Roman Catholic and 14 percent Protestant. In Northern Ireland, the 2001 census showed that 53.1 percent were Protestants and 43.8 percent were Catholics.
For the purpose of this portrait, most attention will be focused on England, to the exclusion of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Pluralism Project welcomes any research pertaining to religious diversity in these other parts of the United Kingdom.

Religious History of the United Kingdom

History of Christianity in the United Kingdom
Prior to the arrival of Christianity in Europe, people in the British Isles practiced various forms of Celtic polytheism, also known as Druidism or Celtic paganism. After the Roman invasion in 46 AD, these traditions were supplemented with Roman gods. Although the Romans also brought Christianity with them (first introduced as one of many cults of the Roman Empire), it was largely replaced by German paganism introduced by the Anglo-Saxon invasions in 449 AD. Celtic Christianity, referring to the Christianity practiced mainly in Ireland and Northern Britain, also developed in this time period, through the establishment of monastic institutions (e.g., Iona and Lindisfarne) and the work of important saints such as St. Alban and St. Patrick.
In 596, in response to a request for Christian missionaries made by Bertha, wife of Ethelbert of Kent, Pope Gregory I dispatched Augustine, later to become the first Archbishop of Canterbury, to England. Augustine and the missionaries who accompanied him were allowed to preach and establish churches and monasteries, including the cathedral at Canterbury. The current Church of England traces its history through these three elements: St. Augustine and his successors, the old Roman-British church, and the Celtic Christianity coming from Scotland and Ireland. These three strands of Christianity eventually came into greater contact with each other and merged, sometimes at synodical gatherings such the Synod of Whitby in 664 in which King Oswy of Northumbria declared that his kingdom would follow Roman Christianity rather than the Celtic Christian tradition.
Throughout the medieval ages the Christian church spread and developed through establishing churches and monasteries, and grew in power and institutional authority. By the 16th century, however, the Church was plagued by scandals of corruption and absenteeism, and conflict between local and papal authority in Rome. Although questioning of papal authority began in England with John Wycliff and the Lollards as early as the 14th century, the movement was persecuted and suppressed. In 1531, King Henry VIII (r.1509-1547), in response to Pope Clement VII's refusal to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, demanded that the Church of England recognize him as its sole protector and supreme head. In May 1532, the Church of England agreed to surrender its legislative independence and canon law to the authority of the monarch. The first Act of Supremacy confirmed Henry by statute as the Supreme Head of the Church of England in 1536 (the monarch is now referred to as the "Supreme Governor" of the Church).
Following the break with Rome, Henry VIII dissolved monasteries and confiscated their property (1536-1540). However, at this time there were few changes in liturgy and theology, as affirmed by the Six Articles of 1539, which reasserted the Catholic nature of the church. Under Henry's son Edward VI (r. 1547 - 1553) the Church underwent further reformation, including translation and thorough revision of the liturgy along more Protestant lines, and the issuing of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549. The Church was briefly re-united with Rome under the reign of Mary I (r. 1553 - 1558), but subsequently broke with Rome under Elizabeth I (r. 1558 - 1603).
The Church of Scotland was shaped during the reformation in the 16th century, led by Calvinist reformer John Knox. The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian church, and while also a national church, unlike the Church of England it is not a state church and is independent from the state in spiritual matters. Until 1920, Wales was grouped under the Province of Canterbury, thus belonging to the Church of England. In 1920 it was disestablished, creating the Church of Wales, now a member church of the Anglican Communion. The Church of Ireland, also once part of the Church of England, was disestablished in 1871 and is also part of the Anglican Communion.
Following the Reformation, new religious communities continued to develop leading to the diversification of British Protestantism. Several denominations trace their roots back to Britain including Puritanism, Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, Methodism, Baptism, and the Quakers. Many of these denominations were extremely influential in social movements, politics, and other reforms of Christianity. There also was a gradual (but not complete) disestablishment of various privileges of the Church of England such as laws barring non-Anglicans from holding public office.
For several centuries the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United Kingdom was characterized by turmoil and persecution. Under Elizabeth I, Catholics were fiercely persecuted, and many Catholics were put to death for treason. In the 1600s persecution of Catholics lessened, however until the 19th century Catholics were severely restricted in civil rights. In 1829, the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed by Parliament, which gave Catholics almost equal civil rights, including the right to vote and to hold public office. Since then there have been various cultural movements connected to Catholicism and prominent individuals who converted to Catholicism. Cherie Blair, wife of the current prime minister, is a practicing Catholic and is sometimes accompanied by her Anglican husband at Mass.
Northern Ireland has a separate history of Protestant and Catholic communities and other political and social factors leading up to the outbreaks in violence and conflict in the 20th century. Starting in the 1590s, immigration from Britain, especially Scotland, to counties in Northern Ireland began. These immigrants were predominantly Protestant. Currently Protestants make up the majority, however, they are divided into different denominations (mainly Presbyterians and Anglicans), making the Roman Catholic Church the largest single Christian denomination. Catholics and Protestants predominantly live geographically segregated from each other. In the recent political conflict, the majority of Catholics identify as Nationalists, and desire greater connection with the Republic of Ireland, whereas the majority of Protestants identify as Unionists, who want to remain a part of the United Kingdom. Due to space constraints, this portrait does not include a treatment of Northern Ireland.
History of Minority Religions in the United Kingdom
Jews arrived in England along with William the Conqueror in 1066, after which they maintained a small community until their expulsion in 1290 by King Edward I. In 1655, under Oliver Cromwell, Jews were readmitted to England, although they still maintained a relatively small community. These numbers increased dramatically in the late 19th and early 20th century, with Russian and Polish immigrants who settled before and during World War I, followed by large numbers of refugees from Germany, Austria, and Europe. British Jews created institutional organizations such as the Chief Rabbinate, the United Synagogue, and the Board of Deputies that hold considerable religious and political power; for example the recent Chief Rabbi Jacobovits, who was the first Rabbi Life Peer appointed in the House of Lords and whose politics were closely allied with Margaret Thatcher.
There have been a series of laws affecting the integration of Jews into English society and the barriers to their participation in public life. These include the Jew Bill, which allowed for the naturalization of Jews by application to Parliament (passed in 1753 and repealed in 1754), and the 1858 emancipation of Jews, after which Baron Lionel de Rothschild became the first Jewish member of Parliament. Debates over such laws reveal the development of British ideas of religious toleration and the status of non-Christian religious minorities, as well as issues of anti-Semitism and religious discrimination that are still pressing concerns today. Since 1997, there has been a rise in anti-Semitic incidents. See Government Practice and Policy for more information.
In the 20th century the presence of other non-Christian religions in the United Kingdom has rapidly increased through immigration. Hindus from India began immigrating to Britain after the First World War; however, immigration dramatically increased following India's independence in 1947. From 1960 to 1973, thousands of Hindus who had settled in East African states (i.e. Kenya and Uganda) during the British colonial period were expelled by political regimes and migrated to Britain. Initially immigrants were primarily Punjabi and Gujarati Hindus, although it has now expanded to include Hindus of various ethnicities. In the 1990s there was another wave of immigration of Tamil Hindu refugees from Sri Lanka.
The first Sikh immigrants in Britain were soldiers who fought in WWI; their numbers greatly increased after India became independent. The majority of Sikhs in the UK are from the Indian state of Punjab. During the 1970s there was a large increase in immigration of Sikhs who had settled in East Africa. Many in the first wave of immigrant Sikh men discarded the visible religious symbols of the beard, uncut hair and turban in order to avoid discrimination in seeking employment. Gradually Sikhs began to gain greater confidence in retaining their religious traditions and in the 1960s and 1970s won several cases allowing them to wear turbans in various public arenas. The majority of Hindus and Sikhs are highly educated professionals and are upheld as model minorities. There is also a small but important minority of Zoroastrians in the United Kingdom. In fact the first Asian member of Parliament was Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917), an Indian Zoroastrian who was elected Liberal MP for Finsbury Central in 1892.
Islam arrived in Britain as early as the eighteenth century. In the second half of the nineteenth century Muslim seamen from the Middle East and India settled in port towns such as Cardiff, Liverpool, and the East End of London. The first recorded mosque in England was built in Cardiff in 1860. Following the Second World War, immigration of Muslims increased from a diverse array of nations including: Pakistan, India, African countries such as Somalia and Nigeria, Bangladesh, Turkey, Middle Eastern and Eastern European countries. There are also a growing number of converts to Islam from white or Caribbean backgrounds. Unlike Sikhs and Hindus, Muslims are truly a multi-ethnic religious group and must be classified as such; this is an important distinction when dealing with laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, versus discrimination based on religion.
Muslims make up the largest non-Christian minority religious group in Britain and the status of a “British Islam” has become the focus of several debates in recent years. These controversies cover issues such as the role of religion in education, immigrant communities and assimilation, the place of women, and religious versus state authority. Other recent cases will be highlighted in Government Practice and Policy.
Some argue that British Muslims can be seen as falling between two poles of assimilation and isolationism. On one hand prominent Muslim intellectuals promote a modern, liberal interpretation of Islam, and advocate greater flexibility in adapting Muslim traditions to British society. On the other hand, some British Muslims view modern Western culture with skepticism and even antipathy, and want to retain a distinctly Muslim identity and strict preservation of Muslim traditions. However, this situation is made more complex by a variety of factors such as the great diversity of cultural and sectarian interpretations of Islam present in Britain, the differences between first and second generation Muslims, and pressure from outside forces and events in which Muslims increasingly find themselves caught amidst global political struggles.
There is also a small but growing number of Buddhists in Britain, most of whom are converts rather than immigrants. British interest in Buddhism began in the late 1800s, although it was highly intellectualized, consisting of studying Buddhist teachings, with some meditation. In recent decades, Buddhism in Britain has become more diverse, both ethnically with increased immigration from Asian countries, and institutionally, with the proliferation of various sects including Theravada, Tibetan, Zen, and Soka Gakkai, and the construction of temples and monasteries.
Another recent change in the religious diversity in Britain is the increase in black-led and Afro-Caribbean Christian churches. The 1950s saw the foundation of black-led Christian churches, mainly comprised of variations of West Indian Pentecostal or Holiness churches. By the 1980s, there were over 100,000 members involved in black denominational groups. Although growth of these churches was in large part due to immigration and wanting to maintain a style of worship and community consistent with worship in countries of origin, another important factor was the cold and sometimes racist response of the English churches to immigrant groups. Immigrants were often ignored, patronized, and sometimes rejected outright upon arriving at white-led churches, leading them to join or form their own black-led churches, which emphasized black identity and an inclusive community.
Since the 1960s, there has been a dramatic decline within Protestant churches in overall numbers of committed members and worshippers. At the same time there has been a steady growth in evangelical, charismatic-influenced, and conservative (theologically and politically) Christian groups. Current controversial issues within the Church of England include the ordination of female priests (which began in 1994) and the status of homosexual clergy. While Christianity retains its place as the majority religion in the United Kingdom, British Christianity is in a state of transition in adapting and responding to both secularism and contemporary social issues, as well as to Britain's growing religious diversity.
The current religious landscape in the United Kingdom includes some of the largest religious minority centers in all of Europe. For example, the Hindu temple at Neasden, Swaminarayan Mandir, was the first traditional Hindu temple in Europe, and also is the largest. The Bhakivedanta Manor, run by the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, faced difficulty in 1994 in staying open, but kept its status as a religious charity and now includes an ashram, school, bakery, shop, farm and traditional bhakti theatre. In addition to providing daily services, these temples also attract huge crowds during festival times; the Diwali festival in Neasden attracts 50,000 visitors, and Janmashtami festival at Bhakivedanta Manor attracts around 80,000. The Birmingham Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, has been attended by well known imams, MPs and scholars, and hosts as many as 20,000 people during the festival of Eid. The newly combined East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, with a history that goes back as early as 1910, also hosts a variety of services and programs.
The United Kingdom has a rapidly expanding diversity of religion not only in the physical landscape but in the intellectual landscape as well, with leading scholars and intellectuals working on issues of religious minority status, education, religion and politics, and interfaith dialogue, both at home and internationally. In addition to religious figures, leading atheist and humanist intellectuals from the UK have contributed much to international discussions on the role of religion in public life. The presence of so many well-known religious and political figures, organizations and institutions that engage in public discourse on religion means that the UK is often looked at by Europe and the rest of the world as an example of how to deal with the challenge of building religious pluralism.
The presence of relatively new and growing Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities provides a rich and promising opportunity for growth for Britain, but also poses many questions and challenges. For some, the question is framed by how to support and respect other religious and cultural traditions, within the bounds of what is permissible in law, politics, and education. Others ask how and what to hold on to from one’s religious tradition in a new context. Many have come to see the importance of creating dialogue and harmonious relations between Christians and non-Christians, as well as among minority religions themselves, many of which have a history of violent conflict in other parts of the world. Britain’s religious history, although long-dominated by Christianity, is not without its precedents in establishing religious tolerance for minority religious groups. However, the level of religious diversity that now exists is unprecedented, and it has and will continue to challenge British people of all faiths and backgrounds to respond.
On July 7, 2005, three bombs were set off on London subways, with a fourth bomb set off on a public bus an hour later, killing a total of 52 commuters and the four suicide bombers, who identified as Muslims. Swiftly following the attacks religious organizations including Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and interfaith groups condemned the actions of the bombers and the use of violence in the name of religion. They also called for a renewed effort for interfaith dialogue and education about Islam, and dedication to London’s multifaith, multicultural society. There was a backlash of hate crimes against Muslims, as well as Hindus and Sikhs (frequently misidentified as Muslim). In response, both government agencies and religious groups made efforts through increased security and education to prevent such crimes. The London bombings drew heightened attention to Britain’s new religious diversity and increased awareness about the importance of education about minority religious groups as well as interfaith work.

Further Historical Resources

  • The History of the Church of England according to the official Church of England website.
  • Encyclopaedia Britannica offers an article on the United Kingdom with separate sections for religion and history.
  • Wikipedia offers a fairly comprehensive article on Religion in the United Kingdom with links to separate articles on Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam in the United Kingdom, as well as articles on the history of the Church of England.
  • Our own Religious Diversity News collected a number of news articles related to the response after the 2005 bombings under the subheading “London Terror Attacks.”
  • The Growth of Religious Diversity: Britain from 1945. Volume I: Traditions. Ed. Gerald Parsons. London: The Open University, 1993.
  • The Growth of Religious Diversity: Britain from 1945. Volume II: Issues. Ed. Gerald Parsons. London: The Open University, 1993.

Constitution and Religious Freedom

The United Kingdom has an uncodified constitution which consists of both unwritten conventions and a collection of written laws. As such, there is no specific constitutional clause guaranteeing religious freedom, however, specific acts protect religious freedom as well as outlaw discrimination based on religion, such as the 1998 Human Rights Act. In addition, the United Kingdom has signed various international covenants, such as the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights (Article 9 guarantees freedom of religion; Article 14 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion). In 2006, the government passed the Racial and Religious Hatred Act and the Equality Act, applicable throughout Great Britain. The Racial and Religious Hatred Act legislates against stirring up hatred against persons on religious grounds. The act does not seek to define what amounts to a religion or a religious belief, leaving it to the courts to make such determinations. The Equality Act makes it illegal to discriminate by religion "in the provision of goods, facilities and services, education, the use and disposal of property, and the exercise of public functions."
The Church of England (Anglican) is the formally established church in England, and the monarch is the “Supreme Governor” of the Church. The other formally established church in the UK is the Church of Scotland, which has a Presbyterian organization. Although the connection of the monarch with the Church of England is an ongoing topic of debate, there are no current government plans to move towards disestablishment. Additionally, 26 bishops of the Church of England currently sit in the House of Lords. In a reflection on Britain's growing religious diversity, in 1994, Charles, Prince of Wales, commented publicly that he would like to see a move from being called "Defender of the Faith" to "Defender of Faith," when he succeeds to the throne. In addition, Prince Charles has dedicated considerable effort to promoting interfaith relations both internationally and at home.

Government Policy and Practice

The US International Religious Freedom Report (2006) presents the US Government’s findings on the state of religious freedom in the United Kingdom. It documents government and legal policy on religion, and also covers controversies and clashes between government policy and religious groups. According to the report, in the United Kingdom the law provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. The Government at all levels strives to protect and promote this right in full and does not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The law provides for the freedom to change one's religion or belief.
In the United Kingdom religious groups are not required to register with the government, nor can they receive direct funding from the state. However, the Government does fund repairs for historic religious buildings (not restricted to Church of England buildings). Additionally, most religious groups are classified as charities, and therefore receive various tax benefits.
In a decision by the Charity Commission of England and Wales in 1999, the Church of Scientology is not recognized as a charity and does not receive tax benefits. According to the Charity Commission, Scientology does not qualify as a religion, and its goals do not fit the definition of a charitable act of promoting spiritual welfare in the community. Other religious organizations that have had difficulty obtaining status as a religious charity include the Unification Church (commonly called the “Moonies”). The Reverend Sun Myung Moon, who was recently barred from entering the country from 2003-2005, was only recently granted a visa to visit his followers in November 2005.
One of the key points of contention in the intersection between government policy and religion is in the field of education. As of May 2006, there were 6,784 government funded “faith schools,” schools with religious character, in Britain. There were 4,659 Anglican, 2,053 Roman Catholic, 1 Greek Orthodox, and 1 Seventh-day Adventist school. Other Christian denominations accounted for 115 of the schools. There were 36 Jewish, 7 Muslim, and 2 Sikh schools. In addition, public schools are also required to provide religious education, the shape of which is decided on a local basis. Top government educational officials have called for both faith schools’ and all schools’ religious curriculum to promote inclusiveness and tolerance. Finally, all schools in England and Wales must provide a daily act of collective worship. This act is predominantly Christian in character, although non-Christian worship may be allowed in some contexts and parents have the right to withdraw their child from worship. Recently there has been wide-spread discussion over the existence of faith schools with many people calling for an end to faith schools because they prevent integration and foster extremism; however, the Government states that the faith schools are an important response to calls for increased parental control of education, and many minority faith groups also advocate for the benefits of faith schools.
In 2003 the Government approved Employment Equality Regulations, which prohibit religious discrimination based on religious belief. The Government also strives to ensure that public servants are not discriminated against on the basis of religion, and tries to accommodate religious practices by government employees whenever possible. Prisoners are provided with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim chaplains and the military generally provides soldiers with chaplains of their faith.
Since May 5, 2006, the Race, Cohesion and Faiths Directorate under the Department for Communities and Local Government has been charged with tackling racism, extremism, and hate, and for promoting interfaith activity in England and Wales. It works with religious groups to ensure that government policies and services are delivered equally and appropriately. Within the Communities and Local Government: Equalities Section, there are a number of resources devoted to reducing inequalities and building social cohesion. These include information and statistics about different religious communities, the promotion of interfaith relations, stopping religious discrimination and the Preventing Extremism Together task force. More information about government involvement in interfaith relations can be found in the section on Interfaith Activity.
There has been increasing participation by members of minority religious groups in politics and public life. In 1858 Jews acquired the right to sit in Parliament, and since then there have been as many as forty-six Jews elected as MPs at the same time (1974). In 1997, Mohammad Sarwar was elected as the UK's first Muslim MP, and in 1998, Baron Nazir Ahmed became Britain's first Muslim peer.
One of the focal points for the discussion on religious minority rights is the debate over religious head coverings. As early as 1969 Sikh bus drivers and conductors won a case allowing them to wear turbans. More recently, the focus has shifted from the turban to various forms of veiling for Muslim women. In October 2006, House of Commons Leader Jack Straw attracted controversy by stating that he thought the niqab, a full face veil worn by some Muslim women, can inhibit inter-community relations, and requested that women visiting his constituency remove it. Later in the year a Muslim woman teacher was suspended for wearing the niqab, and although appealed, this decision was upheld in the courts. More recently a controversy has broken out over Muslim girls wearing veils in schools. In February 2007, a 12-year old Muslim girl lost her court challenge to her school's ban on wearing the niqab. Following this case, the Department of Education and Skills passed a ruling that schools will be allowed to ban the niqab on the basis of concerns about security, communication or learning. This ruling has led to both positive and negative reactions from the Muslim community.
  • Wikipedia provides an article about the debate over veils in the United Kingdom.
  • Religious Diversity News has collected a number of articles about the veil controversy in the United Kingdom.
The Government has shown considerable concern over preventing religious hate crimes and other violence directed towards members of particular religious groups. There has been a noted increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Britain. The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 455 anti-Semitic incidents in the United Kingdom and according to the Global Forum against Anti-Semitism's report for 2005, the United Kingdom continued to have the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in Europe. In addition, there has been an increase in anti-Muslim incidents that include verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, arson, anti-Muslim literature, and Internet postings. Sikhs and Hindus are frequently misidentified as Muslims and become the targets of such attacks.

Further Resources for Government Policy and Practice

  • In 1998 the International Coalition for Religious Freedom sponsored a conference in Germany. Clinton Bennet presented a paper about the state of pluralism in the UK entitled "Religious Freedom: The UK Context."

Interfaith Activity

Interfaith activity in the United Kingdom takes on a variety of forms. First, the government has created departments and task forces specifically directed towards eliminating extremism and facilitating better communication among religious groups, and between religious groups and government officials. The best example of this is the Race, Cohesion and Faiths Directorate established in May 2006. Their goals include, "reducing perceptions of race discrimination and leading the work on creating more cohesive communities, tackling racism, extremism and hate and promoting inter-faith activity and a shared sense of belonging." There are a number of government-developed resources devoted to reducing inequalities and building social cohesion. These include information and statistics about different religious communities, the promotion of interfaith relations, stopping religious discrimination and the Preventing Extremism Together task force.
Another push towards interfaith activity comes from Charles, Prince of Wales. Through his own international and national work meeting with various religious leaders, discussions on holding an interfaith coronation, and his statements about becoming "Defender of Faith" instead of "Defender of the Faith," Prince Charles has demonstrated a substantial commitment to improving interfaith relations and recognizing the religious diversity within the United Kingdom. In March 2006, during a visit to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Prince Charles gave a speech in which he said, "We must foster, encourage and act upon that which embodies the divine attributes of mercy and compassion. That calls for calmness and the exercise of restraint. And, if I may say so, it requires all those who are in positions of authority in our different faiths to preach clearly and consistently to others the eternal values of these divine attributes."
In addition to the government and royal family, structures for facilitating better relations between different religious communities has also long been the work of the Church of England itself and other well-established Christian institutions. Although much of their work tends to be ecumenical, for example, between Anglicans and Catholics, there is growing attention to dialogue with the many non-Christian minority religions.
Interfaith activity in Britain was significantly pushed ahead after the July 7, 2005 terrorist bombings. Following the attacks, there was an increase in both fears of the threat posed by British Muslims, as well as efforts to facilitate better communication and integration with the Muslim community. The government instituted task forces to work with Muslim communities to counter extremism and violence, for example the Preventing Extremism Together task force. Part of this project was a "theological roadshow" which showcased prominent Muslims advocating a moderate, nonviolent interpretation of Islam.
In addition, after the bombings there was a huge outpouring of concern from various religious communities, Muslim and non-Muslim, including both condemnation of the attacks and calls for greater dedication to education and interfaith work. Immediately after the attacks the Muslim Council of Britain and Churches Together in England and Ireland issued a joint statement condemning the bombings in which they stated, "The scriptures and the traditions of both the Muslim and Christian communities repudiate the use of such violence... These attacks strengthen our determination to live together in peace, and to grow together in mutual understanding. This crime must inspire us to work unceasingly together in pursuit of peace, justice and respect for difference." There has been an increased effort on the parts of minority religious groups to educate others about their beliefs and practices. There has been a proliferation of interfaith dialogue groups, interfaith forums, and other groups that strive to bring members of different religious groups together in peaceful and constructive ways.

Interfaith Centers/Organizations

The following are some organizations doing work on interfaith relations and pluralism in the United Kingdom:
Alif -Aleph UK
"Alif-Aleph UK is a group of British Muslims and British Jews committed to develop positive contacts between our communities as a “good practice model” for all communities in the UK who find themselves divided, usually by conflicts from abroad spilling over to divide us in this country."
Christian Muslim Forum
"The Christian Muslim Forum was launched in 2006 to encourage and support Christians and Muslims as they seek to live and work together creatively and harmoniously in our plural society. The main task of the Christian Muslim Forum is to explore ways in which Christians and Muslims can contribute together for the greater good of our whole community. In particular it will focus its work in the following areas: Community and Public Affairs, Education, Family, International Affairs, Media, and Youth."
Council of Christians and Jews
“CCJ works with Christian and Jewish communities to promote mutual understanding and combat prejudice and anti-semitism. Our primary focus is Christian Jewish relations, but we seek to relate positively to all of Britain's faith communities. Our experience of inter-religious dialogue enables us to make a vital contribution to community relations in contemporary British society.”
Inner Cities Religious Council
“The Inner Cities Religious Council (ICRC) is a forum for members of faith communities to work with the Government on issues of regeneration, neighbourhood renewal, social inclusion, and other relevant cross-departmental policies and processes.”
Interact Interfaith Action
“Interact’s aim is to build understanding and increase tolerance between people of all faiths. To do this we facilitate joint action and civic participation, enabling members of all faith communities to work together for the benefit of all communities. Most of our projects are tailored for young people from all faith and cultural backgrounds.”
The Inter Faith Network
“The Inter Faith Network for the UK was founded in 1987 to promote good relations between people of different faiths in this country. Its member organisations include representative bodies from the Baha'i; Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jain; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh; and Zoroastrian communities; national and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with interfaith issues.”
Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (UK)
"The IIFWP seeks to chart a course and establish a format for both intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and practical action to contribute to the "hope of all ages": World Peace. The Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) of Great Britain holds numerous conferences world-wide on a variety of topics all relating to World Peace."
Multi-Faith Group for Healthcare Chaplaincy (MFGHC)
"The object of the MFGHC is the advancement of multi-faith healthcare chaplaincy in England and Wales. The Group seeks to further this object by facilitating a common understanding and support for healthcare chaplaincy amongst Faith Groups, chaplaincy bodies and users; providing a means of consultation between the Faiths about healthcare chaplaincy; and working in co-operation with healthcare and chaplaincy organisations, bodies and authorities."
Three Faiths Forum
The Three Faiths Forum has four aims: “To encourage friendship, goodwill and understanding amongst people of the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths in the UK and elsewhere. To promote support for and public recognition of the importance of groups where people of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths meet and share common interests and experiences. To encourage respect for religious differences between the three faiths on a basis of equality and exploring and enjoying those differences where appropriate. To promote training of ministers of religion of the three faiths in their common roots, understanding of their differences and encourage respect for each other on a basis of equality.”
Religions for Peace (UK)
"Religions for Peace (UK) currently offers a series of development programmes, designed to help local communities of faith build inter faith cooperation through multi faith action together. We work with your local community to explore how you can create social cohesion; social harmony. We seek to involve religious leaders of all faiths; empower women of faith; and challenge young people through effective inter faith cooperation."
Sisters of Sion
Sisters of Sion is committed to promoting Jewish-Christian relations, interfaith dialogue, social justice and a biblical spirituality. Sisters of Sion runs the Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter http://www.sistersofsion.org/jewish-christian-relations.htm which, "provides a safe place where people of different faiths can meet together to learn, exchange and grow in understanding of each other," and offers courses in interreligious dialogue.
World Congress of Faiths
"The World Congress of Faiths publishes the leading journal on interfaith matters Interreligious Insight. http://www.interreligiousinsight.org/ It arranges a variety of conferences, meetings, retreats, visits and group travel. All these provide occasions to learn what others believe, what they think about life today and how they pray, meditate and worship." WCF has helped to establish the International Interfaith Centre at Oxford http://www.interfaith-centre.org/ and works closely with the London Interfaith Centre. http://www.londoninterfaith.org.uk/#nologo

Relevant Research Centers

These are universities and research centers that have programs in comparative religion and pluralism:
Centre for Interfaith Studies
"The Centre was established in Glasgow in 2001 and follows closely on the establishment at Glasgow of the Chair for World Religions for Peace in 2000 and exists within the School of Divinity. As the Department of Theology and Religious Studies expands its teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels into the different world religions, it has become increasingly apparent that there is a particular interest in the field of inter-faith studies. The growing awareness of religious pluralism creates within each of the different religious traditions the challenge to seek a better understanding of the relationship between one's own and the other's religion."
Centre for the Study of Islam and Muslim-Christian Relations
Part of the University of Birmingham, "The Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim relations (CSIC) was founded in 1976 as a joint Muslim-Christian graduate teaching and research institute. The centre seeks to encourage respect for the various Christian and Muslim traditions in their own terms and rejects polemics and proselytism. With academic integrity, the programmes of the CSIC seek to give equal attention to the theoretical dimensions of Christian-Muslim relations and the lived situations of communities in plural contexts, and to understand the relationships between the two spheres."
Centre for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations
“CJCR is an independent, self-financing, educational institution dedicated to the study and teaching of all aspects of the encounter between Christians and Jews throughout the ages.”
Community Religions Project
"Since 1976, the Community Religions Project (CRP) has conducted empirical research on religion and religions ‘near at hand’ in the cities of Leeds and Bradford and beyond. The results of the CRP’s research, conducted by both postgraduate students and established scholars, have been made widely available through the publication of research papers and a monograph series."
Lokahi
The mission of Lokahi is, "To undertake multi-faith research on religious and community issues at the highest academic level, and outreach and educational projects for the community, public servants, and other professionals. We are multi-faith and multi-disciplinary, and address the contemporary issues of London, Britain, Europe and beyond."
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
"The principal aim of the Centre, founded in 1997, is the study of Hindu culture, religion, languages, literature, philosophy, history, arts, and society, in all periods and in all parts of the world. All Hindu traditions are included." The Centre developed the British Hindu Oral History Project which recorded the experiences of Hindus who have settled in Britain.
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Centre was established in 1985 to encourage scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world. At Oxford, the Centre contributes to multi-disciplinary study of Islam and maintains an international network of academic contacts.
The SHAP Working Party on World Religions in Education
"THE SHAP WORKING PARTY on World Religions in Education was set up in 1969 to broaden the basis of education at all levels by encouraging the study and teaching of world religions. It seeks to achieve its aim by producing accurate information and resources for those involved with religious education and religious studies."
University of Leicester, Centre for the History of Religious and Political Pluralism
This academic department aims to facilitate the study of religious pluralism, promote an accurate understanding of pluralism and advise decision makers concerning the issue of pluralism. The organization's newsletter can be found at: http://www.le.ac.uk/pluralism/centre_newsletter.html

Christian Organizations with Interfaith Concerns

These are some of the Christian organizations that have dedicated resources to interfaith concerns:
The Catholic Church in England and Wales: Interfaith Dialogue
Includes links and resources about the importance of interfaith dialogue for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Church of England: Interfaith Relations
As stated on the official website of the Church of England, "The Church of England, in partnership with other Christian churches, seeks to build up good relations with people of other faith traditions, and where possible to co-operate with them in service to society." Includes links to associated interfaith organizations, resources for interfaith dialogue, interfaith marriage guidelines and other educational guides.
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
An organization that seeks to coordinate cooperation and collective action between Christian churches of different denominations within Britain and Ireland. Churches Together also highlights interfaith dialogue as a priority issue.
Network for Interfaith Concerns (NIFCON)
NIFCON is one of the official networks of the Anglican Communion, and includes information on events, courses and articles on interfaith matters
Westminster Interfaith
Westminster Interfaith is an agency of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster. Its aims are, "To respond to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and the Popes with regard to interfaith dialogue; to promote greater understanding, co-operation and respect between Christians and people of other faiths and thus combat discrimination at all levels; [and] to help Christians deepen their own faith by promoting greater awareness of other faiths through dialogue, prayer and action."

Minority Religious Organizations

These organizations support religious minority communities:

African and Afro-Caribbean Churches

Council of African and Afro-Caribbean Churches
"The Council is based on the scriptural concept that all believers are members of one body, of which Christ is the head. Therefore it seeks to work out ways in which the member churches can secure a working relationship, to enable the fulfillment of the divine mission on earth that Christ set out for his church, encouraging the members to make efforts towards common witness and evangelism for unity in one faith and one Eucharistic fellowship."

Baha'i

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom
The official site for the Baha'i community in the UK; includes information about the Baha'i faith, events, resources for discussion and media information.

Buddhism

The Buddhist Society
Centered in London, the Buddhist Society aims to publish information about and promote the practice of the principles of Buddhism. This website includes a forum, information about events, and other resources.

Hinduism

Hindu Forum of Britain
"The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) is the largest umbrella body for British Hindus with over 270 member organisations from different regions around the country....HFB’s activities are broadly divided into three areas: public policy and community consultation for the government; capacity building and project development for the Hindu community; and developing good interfaith relations with other faith communities to build a cohesive and inclusive Britain."
International Society for Krishna Consciousness: UK and Ireland
The main site for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the UK and Ireland; includes educational materials, a directory, and other resources, including information about Rathayatra, their biggest street festival, held yearly in London.

Humanism

British Humanist Association
"The British Humanist Association exists to promote Humanism and support and represent people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs."

Islam

British Muslim Forum
The Forum aims to provide education about and the promotion of tolerant and peaceful Islam, to strengthen multi-faith connections, to establish a network of official, political, social and educational organizations of Muslims, and to take action to eliminate terrorism, extremism, and religious discrimination.
Forum on Islamophobia and Racism
“The Forum Against Islamophobia & Racism (FAIR) was founded in 2001 as an independent charitable organization – our aim is to work towards establishing a Safe, Just and Tolerant Britain in which Islamophobia and racism have no place.”
Islamic Human Rights Commission
The Islamic Human Rights commission was founded in 1997 as an independent, not-for-profit, campaign, research and advocacy organization which seeks to “foster links and work in partnership with different organizations from Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds, to campaign for justice for all peoples regardless of their racial, confessional or political background.”
The Muslim Council of Britain
The aims of the Muslim Council are: “To promote cooperation, consensus and unity on Muslim affairs in the UK. To encourage and strengthen all existing efforts being made for the benefit of the Muslim community. To work for a more enlightened appreciation of Islam and Muslims in the wider society. To establish a position for the Muslim community within British society that is fair and based on due rights. To work for the eradication of disadvantages and forms of discrimination faced by Muslims. To foster better community relations and work for the good of society as a whole.”
Sufi Muslim Council
The Sufi Muslim Council seeks to provide practical solutions to British Muslims through the integration of traditional scholarship in efforts to resolve contemporary problems. The Council also takes a strong stance against religious extremism in Islam and all religions.

Jainism

Institute of Jainology
The objectives of the Institute are to, "provide a platform for interaction between different community organisations, where all sectarian traditions jointly promote the faith and engage in discussions amongst themselves, encouraging unity within the Jain community, promote interfaith relationships to create a better understanding of the Jain faith and to acquaint the Jain community with other faiths, create an awareness of the history, art, philosophy, and practices of the Jain faith to the community at large, including its relevance to today’s world, particularly with regard to the environment and respect for all living beings, [and] provide opportunities for study of the faith, both at the community level and at institutions of higher learning, and facilitate scholarly research on Jainism through the establishment of scholarships and the cataloguing of Jain manuscripts and artefacts."
Jain Alliance
A collection of resources for Jains in the UK, with forums, associations, educational links, and other listings

Judaism

Assembly of Masorti Synagogues (AMS)
The website of the organization for Conservative Judaism in the UK; includes study materials, a directory of synagogues and religious leaders, and information about its youth movement, outreach activities (including interfaith), and Rabbinic court.
Board of Deputies of British Jews
Founded in 1760, the Board is made up of representatives elected from the great majority of Jewish communal organizations, including synagogues, social and welfare organizations, local community bodies and many others. The website states, “For over 240 years our purpose has been to protect, support and defend the interests, religious rights and customs of Jews in the United Kingdom and to promote the development of the Jewish community in Britain.”
Liberal Judaism
The website of the organization for Liberal Judaism in the UK; includes educational resources, news, events, and online discussion fora.
The Movement of Reform Judaism
The website of the organization for Reform Judaism in the UK; includes educational resources, news, and online discussion fora.
The Website of the Chief Rabbi
The website of Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth; includes speeches, articles and commentary on Judaism and Jewish life for British Jews.

Paganism

The Pagan Federation
The Pagan Federation seeks to support all pagans in their personal and private lives, to promote civil rights for pagans, to provide information and a positive profile of paganism in public, and facilitate effective communication, education and dialogue between and among pagans and outside groups.

Sikhism

Network of Sikh Organisations UK
The Network of Sikh Organisations links to more than 90 gurdwaras and seeks to support Sikh communities, promote understanding of Sikhism through cooperation with government agencies and participation in interfaith dialogue.
Sikhs in England
A group that aims to "provide a vehicle by which all expressions of Sikhism can be collated and presented to social policy makers."
Sikhism in the UK
Includes a history of Sikhism and a directory of Sikh gurdwaras in the UK.

Zoroastrianism

The World Zoroastrian Organisation
Based in the UK, the World Zoroastrian Organisation, seeks to "represent and protect Zarthushti rights and interests internationally; foster unity among Zarthushtis of differing ethnic origins & traditions; encourage better education, entrepreneurship & leadership in its youth; sustain religious infrastructure, traditions and priesthood; alleviate poverty and succour the community's needy, the sick and the old; enhance better understanding of the faith, its history, traditions, and culture among Zarthushtis and other communities among whom they live."
Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
A registered charity of the UK which runs a Zoroastrian Centre providing religious services and education.

Other Resources

Religious Diversity News Coverage
Our database of International Religious Diversity News searched by country: United Kingdom.
BBC Religion and Ethics
The BBC homepage for everything related to religion and ethics, includes http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/ introductions with information about all the world's religions. Also includes programming such as, “What the World Thinks of God”.

Resources According to Religious Tradition

Buddhism

Buddhism in Britain Today
An overview of different Buddhist sects in the United Kingdom from The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.

Hinduism

British Hindu Oral History Project
Developed by the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, this project recorded the experiences of Hindus in the UK and includes several interviews, a traveling exhibition and final report.

Islam



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President and Fellows of Harvard College and Diana Eck. All rights reserved.