Religion in the UK: A Nation of Atheists

A recent survey shows that the majority of people in the UK do not identify with any religion and do not attend religious worship. In the 1980s, around 51% of people never went to a place of worship, compared to two-thirds now. The decline in religious affiliation and attendance has been seen for a long time, with even more recent surveys showing a decline in church attendance. However, belief in an afterlife has remained relatively unchanged since the 1980s. There is also a difference in attitudes towards same-sex relationships and abortion between those with religious and non-religious identities, with the former generally being more conservative. Catholic and Anglican schools remain a significant part of the education system, but there have been debates and controversies surrounding faith-based education and its regulation. The link between religion and politics also exists, with some religious groups having affiliations with specific political parties. Overall, while religious affiliation and attendance have declined, religion still plays a role in society, albeit in a more diverse and tolerant environment.