Religion II

The Free Churches

• All those Protestant churches which reject the hierarchical structure of the Church of England are called “free churches”.

• Some were created after the Reformation other, much later, during the 19th century.

• They base their beliefs on egalitarian and humanitarian principles and are traditionally supported by the Labour Party.

• The Free Churches are more diffused in the north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• The leading ones are: the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, The United Reformed Church and the Salvation Army.

• The latter also plays an important role in social services and is worldwide spread.

The Jewish community

• First evidences of a Jewish presence in England date back to the Norman or even the Roman occupation.

• After the expulsion in the 13° century, new communities came and established from the mid-seventeeth century.

• There are mainly divided in two groups: the Orthodox and the Liberal and they can practice their religious cult in the 300 synagogues.

Islam, Hinduism and Sikhims

• Beside the Jewish community, these are the main non-Christian religions.

• The have established in England as result of a massive immigration from former British colonies.

• The number of practicioners is increasing due to the high birth rate.

• Muslims, above all, try to influence the public opinion on a wide range of matters.

Interreligious dialogue.

• After centuries of conflicts, restrictions and discrimination, Christian churches share a good cooperation today and an open, friendly dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. However some tensions continue in Northern Ireland.

• This cooperation means pros and cons, but the basic idea is to be more evangelical in order to mirror and adapt the principles and values of Christianity in a modern society.

This cultural interchange is made possible also at school. Religious education is still compulsory despite some proposals to remove it.

A debate about the opportunity to have religion as a school matter is still open. Supporters believe that it will increase tolerance, others (the Labour Party especially) wish to have more faith schools