SECULARISATION

What is secularisation?

The process of a society previously dominated by religious institutions becoming increasingly non-religious

What is evidence for the decline in Christianity?

Decreasing numbers of those participating in rites e.g baptism, marriage & funerals, 12% of Church of England population baptised in 2011

How is this linked to politics?

Although there are Bishops in the House of Lords, British politicians often remain silent about matters of religion

What is support for the UK as a Christian country?

Rare for an individual to die without some aspect of religious ceremony & many popular Christian festivals which take place

What are arguments against the UK as a Christian country?

According to a Census for England and Wales, there has been a decrease of individuals who claim they are Christian & there is increasing participation in sports, shopping and work during Sundays, no longer considered a day of rest

What are faith schools?

Primary & secondary schools which are affiliated with a religious tradition

These schools…

receive funding from a religious organisation, which may own the school’s buildings & land

Some Christian faith schools…

may prioritise students who are affiliated with the school’s faith & ask for a baptism certificate or evidence of regular Church attendance

Although faith schools…

must follow the National Curriculum in all subjects, they are able to focus on their religious tradition within RE

What is support for faith schools?

Allows parents to ensure their children have a religious grounding within their education, tend to be among the best performing state schools & their values often encourage a sense of community, love & justice

What are arguments against faith schools?

Focuses on particular religious tradition rather than taking an objective approach & ethical issues e.g abortion & assisted dying approached with solely a religious perspective

Ban on the Lord’s Prayer in cinemas

In 2015, Church of England produced an ad to be shown in cinemas before ‘Star Wars: the Force Awakens’, ad shows several individuals in different settings saying Lord’s Prayer, however company in control of cinema advertisement banned it being shown, with claims arguing it could offend those of no faith or different religions

Ban on wearing a crucifix in work

In 2006, British Airways suspended an employee for refusing to cover up a crucifix necklace, she brought case to UK courts who argued it is not a requirement for Christianity but European Court of Human Rights supported her