Introduction
The Uk is going through an interesting trend, and we are seeing an unexpected trend. The 2021 Census for England and Wales revealed a shocking shift in the number of people choosing to affiliate with a religion. Essentially, less than half of the population identified as a Christian, for the first time in Census history.
But first, what is the Census?
The census is a nationwide survey conducted every 10 years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the UK. It works as an online questionnaire, with the aim being to collect detailed information about the population. This includes age, gender, ethnicity, religion, education, employment and housing.
But why you may ask. The government publishes and shares the data, helping councils and organizations plan public services and allocate funding where it’s clearly needed. The 2021 was the most recent, and showcased cultural, social and demographic changes within the population. The next census is due to take place in 2031.
Census found Christianity is no longer the leading religion
Well the most noticeable finding is the decline in Christianity. The amount of citizens in the UK that identify themselves as Christians has fallen below 50%. This has marked a drastic decrease from previous census data. The 2011 Census reported that 59.3% of the population identified as christians. But a decade later a 13% drop has occurred, with only 46.2% now identifying.
Christianity is still the most popularly reported religion, however the 2021 has marked a historic change, Because for the first time ever, it no longer accounts for the majority of the population. Factors such as generational shift in views, a move away from institutional religion, and the modernization of secular and humanist views.
Increase in non-religion association
At the same time, more people have reported that they do not associate with any religion. So it’s fair to say that over the past decade, we have seen a shift towards secularism.
