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The results of the latest census conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show Britain’s changing demographics are resulting in an ever more secular nation. While those answering “No religion” grew the most in number, those identifying as “Christian” fell dramatically. However, the picture of religion in Britain varies significantly by region.

Just 46.2 percent of the population of England and Wales now describe themselves as Christian, according to Census 2021.

Down from 59.3 percent a decade earlier, this is first time the proportion has fallen below half, meaning Britain is no longer a majority Christian nation.

In contrast, there has been a surge in the number of people saying they had “No religion” — leaping from just over a quarter (25.5 percent) in 2011 to well over a third (37.2 percent) last year.

Commenting on the findings, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said the country had evidently “left behind the era when many people almost automatically identified as Christian”.

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Although “Christian” remained the most common response to the census-takers voluntary religion question, the results present a profound challenge to the role of the Church of England.

The upper house of Parliament still counts 26 senior clergymen among its members — the Lords Spiritual — who have a say in all new legislation in the land.

King Charles III succeeded his mother as Supreme Governor of the Church of England upon becoming reigning monarch, and will be coronated next year by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Aside from those not subscribing to any beliefs, Islam was revealed to be the fastest-growing religion in the UK – swelling from 2.7 million people or 4.9 percent of the total population describing themselves as “Muslim” in 2011, to 3.9 million and 6.5 percent in 2021.

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The areas of Britain with the highest percentage of people reporting “No religion” were all in Wales: Caerphilly (56.7 percent), Blaenau Gwent (56.4 percent), and Rhondda Cynon Taf (56.2 percent).

In England, the people of Brighton and Hove were found to be the least religious, 55.2 percent answering they had no affiliation. The proportion of residents describing themselves as Christian declined from 42.9 percent to 30.9 percent there over the past ten years.

The most religious neighbourhood in the country — where just 10.6 percent of respondents claimed “No religion” — was found to be Harrow in North West London.

The latest census data also showed that the most Christian local authorities in the country were all in the North West: Knowsley in Merseyside (66.6 percent), Ribble Valley in Lancashire (66.4 percent), and Copeland in Cumbria (65.1 percent).

In fact, five of the top ten most Christian areas in Britain were in Lancashire, while another three were in Merseyside.

The highest percentages of other religious groups all tended to be reported in large urban areas. As was the case a decade ago, London remained the most religiously diverse region in Britain.

Tower Hamlets in East London was the area with the most significant proportion of Muslim residents during the 2021 census (39.9 percent) as it was in 2011 (38 percent). Harrow also maintained the highest percentage of Hindus – 25.3 percent in 2011 to 25.8 percent today.

The areas where the most people described their religion as “Jewish” were both in North London – Hertsmere (17 percent) and Barnet (14.5 percent)

More people selected “Any other religion” to the question in Enfield, North London than anywhere else (3.1 percent). Among those who opted to write-in their religion through the “Any other religion” category, “Shamanism” was found to have gained the most followers – increasing more than tenfold to 8,000 from 650 in 2011.

With attendance falling every year, England’s churches are seemingly in trouble. Recent analysis by the Telegraph found 423 churches had closed between 2010 and 2019, leaving the remaining total at just over 15,000. A report from the Church of England found that up to 368 churches are at risk of closure in just the next two to five years.

The Most Reverend Cottrell said: “The Christian church exists to share the good news of Jesus Christ, serve our neighbour and bring hope to a troubled world. That’s what we’ve done for 2,000 years, in times of war and peace; hardship and plenty; revival and decline; and it’s what we must do now more than ever.

“It’s not a great surprise that the census shows fewer people in this country identifying as Christian than in the past, but it still throws down a challenge to us not only to trust that God will build his kingdom on Earth but also to play our part in making Christ known.

“This winter – perhaps more so than for a long time – people right across the country, some in desperate need, will be turning to their local church, not only for spiritual hope but practical help. We will be there for them, in many cases, providing food and warmth. And at Christmas millions of people will still come to our services.”

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