THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

THUONGMAI UNIVERSITY
ENGLISH FACULTY

BRITISH CULTURE

Topic: BRITISH RELIGIONS

Class ID: 231ENTI0411

Group: 01

Lecturer: MA. Đặng Thị Khánh Hà

HA NOI – 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
GROUP MEMBERS.........................................................................................................1
1. Overview.........................................................................................................................3
1.1. The definition of religion............................................................................................3
1.2. An overview of religion in Britain.............................................................................3
1.3. General picture...........................................................................................................3
1.4. Compare the religion in Britain and Vietnam:........................................................4
2. Relationship between religion and politics..................................................................5
3. Anglicanism....................................................................................................................7
3.1. Summary of early history..........................................................................................7
3.2. Anglicanism.................................................................................................................7
3.3. Doctrine of the Church of England...........................................................................7
3.4. Three Strands theory..................................................................................................8
3.5. Englishness of Anglican Church...............................................................................9
Role of establish.................................................................................................................9
Concerns about disestablishment.....................................................................................9
4. Catholicism.....................................................................................................................9
4.1. The revolution of Catholicism in Britain................................................................10
The appearance of Catholicism in Britain.....................................................................10
The revolution of Catholicism in the UK.......................................................................10
4.2. Catholicism in Britain..............................................................................................10
4.3. Compare the Catholicism in Britain and Vietnam................................................11
5. Other conventional Christian churches.....................................................................13
5.1. Protestantism.............................................................................................................13
5.2. Nonconformist...........................................................................................................13
5.3. Methodist Society......................................................................................................14
5.4. Baptists and Quakers...............................................................................................15
6. Other religions, churches and religious movements.................................................16
6.1. Christianity................................................................................................................16
6.2. New Age.....................................................................................................................16
6.3. Cults...........................................................................................................................17
6.4. Compare with Vietnam............................................................................................18
REFERENCES................................................................................................................20
 GROUP MEMBERS

Number Name Student ID Mark Note

1 Đoàn Thị Nhật Anh 20D170121 Anglicanism

Other religions,
churches, and religious
2 Phùng Thị Lan Anh 20D170063 movements.

PPT Editing

3 Lê Thị Ngọc Ánh 20D170064 Overview

4 Tạ Thị Châm 20D170066 Catholicism

Other conventional
Christian Churches
5 Nguyễn Thị Kim Chi 20D170246
Word Editing
Religions & Politics
6 Nguyễn Viết Cường 20D170006
Leader

1
 INTRODUCTION
According to UK Population Data, when asked about their religion in the 2011
Census, 59.5% of the UK population identified themselves as Christian. Although this
percentage has been declining over time, Christianity remains the main religion in the
UK.
The UK has two established churches: The Anglican Church of England and the
Presbyterian Church of Scotland. An established church means having a formal
relationship with the state.
The Anglican Church of England is the primary church of the UK’s largest
constituent, England. This is the original church of the Anglican Communion, followed
by more than 85 million people who belong to more than 165 countries.
Neither fully Reformed nor completely Catholic, it upholds numerous Roman Catholic
customs while simultaneously adopting the fundamentals of Protestant Reformation. The
Supreme Governor of the Church is Queen Elizabeth II, the Monarch of the UK.
To have more specific views on the religions in the UK, our group choose to study
topic: British Religions to have more details on the climate of religions in the UK, and it
future movements in the upcoming time.
Due to the fact that religions are sensitive topics, so our group’s scope of studying
would have some problems and issues, and we adopt course book “Britain for learners of
English” as main source of information.
Lastly, we hope that you would get more information about religious topic in the
UK in this paper.
Thank you for your time and attention!

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1. Overview
1.1. The definition of religion

Religion is a set of organized beliefs, practices, rituals, moral codes and systems
that most often relate to the belief and worship of a controlling force, such as a deity,
deities or another supernatural being. It often provides explanations for the origin and
purpose of existence, guidelines for ethical behavior, and a framework for understanding
the world.

1.2. An overview of religion in Britain

In fact, most people in Britain cannot strictly be described as religious. Many

individuals may not strictly adhere to religious observances or practice religious practices
or may not identify strongly with a particular religion. However, this does not mean that
they have no religious or spiritual beliefs or inclination. Surveys have suggested that
nearly three-quarters of the population in Britain express a belief in God. Additionally, a
substantial proportion, ranging from a third to a half embrace belief in spiritual concepts
such as life after death, heaven and hell. It is worth noting that half or more of the
population believe in astrology, parapsychology, ghosts and clairvoyance, reflecting a
diverse range of spiritual inclinations. Moreover, a majority approve of the fact that
religious instruction at state schools is compulsory, teaching of the history of religion,
different worldviews and humanism so that students can describe, explain and analyze
beliefs and practices, recognizing the diversity which exists within and between
communities and amongst individuals.

Furthermore, almost nobody objects to the fact that the Queen is queen' by the
grace of God' or the fact that she, like all previous British monarchs, was crowned by a
religious figure in a church and that the British national anthem invokes God’s help in
protecting her. It signifies a belief in the role of higher powers in bestowing authority and
conveys a sense of collective national unity and loyalty.

1.3. General picture

The general picture, as with so many aspects of British life, is of a general

tolerance and passive approval of the status quo. The majority attitude towards organized
religion: rather similar towards the monarchy. Just as there is no serious republican
3
movement in the country, so there is no widespread anti-clericalism. And just as there is
no royalist movement either, so most people are not active participants in organized
religion. However, this lack of active involvement does not translate to a widespread
rejection or hostility towards religious institutions, on the contrary, they seem to be glad
it is there! Moreover, this passive approval and acceptance of the status quo may also
reflect a desire for a cohesive social fabric, contributing to a sense of unity and continuity
in British society.

1.4. Compare the religion in Britain and Vietnam:

Britain Vietnam

Main Christianity is the main The majority of the Vietnamese

religion religion in the UK (nearly population practices some form of
three-quarters of the religious or spiritual tradition. Buddhism
population in Britain express is the most popular religion with the
a belief in God) largest number of followers in Vietnam

Education Religious instruction at state Vietnam has a tradition of religious

and religion schools is compulsory instruction, particularly for followers of
Buddhism, Catholicism, and other
recognized religions.

Religious education is often a part of the

curriculum in religious schools and
temples, through the Bible, catechisms.

Majority Rather similar towards the There's a respect for religious diversity
attitude monarchy and practices. It is often viewed as a
towards + No serious republican traditional and a part of society.
organized movement in the country
religion

4
 + No widespread anti-
clericalism

Public Most people are not active Religion plays a significant role in
participation participants in organized cultural and moral aspects of Vietnamese
in organized religion but they seem to be society, even for those who are not devout
religion glad it is there. practitioners. Although they do not belong
to any religious organization, they often
appreciate the presence of religious
institutions.

2. Relationship between religion and politics

Massive immigration from outside the British Isles in the 20th century resulted in
multicultural tendency within British society. New people from many cultures brought
their attitudes, their beliefs and their religions as well. Consequently, there is a climate
for religious freedom in modern Britain.

In the past, religion joined political life in Britain. This came to the importance of
the Roman Church to people’s daily life and political aspects. The major evidence is that
the Monarch must be crowned unless he/she was Catholic in the 16th century.
Meanwhile, in the feudal period of this century in Vietnam, religion was common, and
encouraged by the King of Le-Trinh dynasty. Confucius (Nho Giáo) made use of
lawmaking and forming regulations to rule the whole superstructure and people’s beliefs,
including political life. Both countries recorded the traces of religion in political life
somehow in ruling from the monarch.

In modern times, freedom in beliefs and worship in Britain has been taken for
granted, except for Muslims because of the fact that there are no recognizable
organizations by governments for this group. The British can say they are following
Catholic, Church of England (Anglicism) or Protestantism, or else, but it does not mean
that their belief is their vote for their members of parliament. Similarly, in Vietnam,
beliefs and religions have no boundaries. Communist Party carried out the struggle for
5
national liberation and built socialism not only without destroying religion but also
protecting religion.

There is no longer the relation between religion and politics in the UK. Unlike
Vietnam, religions and beliefs are playing a vital role in people's spiritual life. Religions
and politics recorded a relationship in which they share the same goals of improving
people’s life and guiding people to humanism, so religious institutions are under
authority of governmental bodies and agencies.

Generally speaking, religious conflicts and their close relationship to politics

remain a few traces in modern times. One of the most predominant conflicts originated in
the 17th century - Civil War 1642. This dispute underly the cover of religious conflicts.
Ideological Protestantism, or Puritanism who appreciated simplified manners and
lifestyles, meanwhile the monarch followed the luxurious lifestyle. So, they considered
that to be immoral. They also expressed the sense of suspicion about the favoritism of
Stuart Monarch toward Catholicism. This led to the Civil War that ended with the
complete victory to the Parliament over the Monarch.

As of now, there are a few “relics” of the Government - Religion relationship.

That is the fact that 26 senior bishops in the Church of England are members of the
House of Lord; the fact that the government has a right to veto the choice of bishops, the
fact that the ultimate authority of Churches is British Parliament. There are 2 churches
that are national religions: Church of Scotland and Church of England. Both the bishops
are appointed by the government.

Although the dominant position of the Church of England is not a political issue,
nobody feels discriminated against due to not following it. The government also
appreciated the independence of religions from politics or government. In fact, there is a
modern politic-and-religion debate: politics separated with religions, but does it mean
religious people cannot have a right about political issues?

In fact, churches in Britain raised their democratic voice over the political issues.
During the 1980s and 1990s, it was common that the Anglican Church criticized the
politics-relating issue of the rich-poor gap in society. The leader of the church also
publicly spoke out to blame the Conservative government for this issue.

6
Moreover, the Catholic Church in Britain published a report which criticized the
Conservative Government as well. The outlook of Christian denominations seems anti-
Conservative as Christian Churches are now “left of centre” (Labour Party instead of
Conservative). Unlike Vietnam, the leaders of religious groups remain in harmony with
government agencies. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Vietnam Catholic Churches
participate in the National Assembly as usual delegates to consult the parliament and the
cabinet about national issues (VN’s NA, 2021). There is definitely no criticism or
blaming or condemning the policies. All are for the sake of the Vietnamese people.

3. Anglicanism

3.1. Summary of early history

Christianity has gone through several events with the flow of time which caused
schisms or unfortunate reforms. That divided Christianity into 3 main branches such as
Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. In addition, there is another branch of Christianity
known as Anglicanism. The Church of England officially separated from Rome in 1534
when King Henry VIII officially became Supreme Head of the Church of England
through the Act of Supremacy.

3.2. Anglicanism

At present, this national distinctiveness is emphasized by the Anglicans Church’s

position as the official religion. The Anglican Church apparently has much the largest
follow in England and large minorities of adherent in the other nations of Britain.

In spite of all this, it has been estimated that less than 5% of those who, if asked, might
describe themselves as Anglicans regularly attent services. Many others are christened,
married, and buried in Anglican ceremonies but otherwise hardly ever go to church.
Regular attendance is traditionally as much a social as a religious activity for many
Anglicans, and predominantly one for the upper and middle classes.

3.3. Doctrine of the Church of England

The doctrine of the Church of England, was set out in the 16 th century in a
document called the Thirty-Nine Articles, played a significant role in Anglican doctrine
and practices. Nowadays, the articles are no longer legally binding, but they are still

7
 regarded as a historical document that significantly influenced the development of
Anglican identity. The extent to which each article has retained its influence varies.

However, the main motivation for the birth of Anglicanism was more patriotic and
political than doctrinal. As a result, it is also called a “broad church”, willing to
accommodate a wide variety of beliefs and practices.

3.4. Three Strands theory

Three main strands of belief can be identified as three separate stands of thought.

(The Three-Strand theory offers there are three types of Anglicans.)

- The first strand is “Evangelical” or “low church”. This group places a strong emphasis on
the authority of the Bible and consciously opposes Catholicism. They closely adhere to
those elements of the Thirty-Nine Articles that reject Papal doctrines and suspicious of
the hierarchical structure of the Church. They prefer plain services with a minimum of
ceremony.
- The second one is “Anglo-Catholic” or “high church”. This group's beliefs closely
resemble Catholicism in doctrine and ritual, with the exception of not recognizing the
Pope's ultimate authority. High church services are more colorful and include organ
music and elaborate priestly clothing.
- The last one is a liberal wing: This faction is characterized by a willingness to
critically examine traditional Christian beliefs. It tends to view the Bible as a historical
document rather than a strictly theological one and exhibits greater tolerance towards
homosexuality. Moreover, it was the first to support moves to ordain women priests.

Some common differences between Anglicanism and Catholicism:

Anglicanism Catholicism

All decisions require the consensus of The Pope has ultimate authority
the believers, clergies and bishops

Some Anglican churches allow the Women cannot become priests

ordination of women priests.

8
 Anglican allows divorce and remarriage Catholicism does not allow divorce and
remarriage

3.5. Englishness of Anglican Church

Many members of the Anglican Church find the "Englishness" of the church to be
just as important as its religious doctrine. This sense of identity and national
distinctiveness is what gives meaning to their affiliation with the Anglican Church.
Without this unique English identity, some Anglo-Catholics might instead choose to
become Catholic, while low churches and liberals might form their own religious groups
or join nonconformist organizations. This reflects the idea that the Anglican Church
serves not only as a religious institution but also as a cultural and national symbol for
many of its members.

Role of establish

The Anglican Church is the official religion of England and has a special
relationship with the state, known as establishment. However, there is an ongoing debate
about whether this establishment should continue or whether the Church should be
disestablished. Disestablishment would mean severing the formal ties between the
Church and the state. Those in favor of disestablishment argue that it would allow the
Church to focus more on its spiritual and moral mission and less on internal conflicts and
politics.

Concerns about disestablishment

Some people oppose disestablishment because they fear that it could lead to a
decline in the number of Anglican adherents. They worry that without the status of the
official religion, the Anglican Church might lose its distinctive English character, which
is an important factor for many of its members. This concern suggests that the Church's
establishment is seen as a way to preserve its identity and maintain its relevance in the
lives of its members.

4. Catholicism

9
4.1. The revolution of Catholicism in Britain

The appearance of Catholicism in Britain

The birth of Catholicism in England can be traced back to the arrival of

Christianity in the country during the Roman era. In the 6th century, Pope Gregory the
Great sent S.t Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxon pagans to Christianity. In 597 AD,
Augustine arrived in Kent, where he was welcomed by King Ethelbert and given
permission to preach, marked the appearance of Catholicism in Britain.

The revolution of Catholicism in the UK

Catholicism was the dominant religion in England until the 16th century.
However, in the 1530s, King Henry VIII sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of
Aragon, which was not allowed by the Catholic Church. The split of King Henry VIII
from Rome marked the beginning of the Anglican Church and the decline of Catholicism
in England.
During the reign of Queen Mary I, a staunch Catholic, England briefly returned to
Catholicism from 1553 to 1558.
After Mary's death, her sister, Queen Elizabeth I, ascended to the throne. Elizabeth
took a moderate stance, establishing the Church of England as a Protestant institution and
allowing some Catholic practices.
In the 19th century, the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed in 1829, which
granted certain rights and liberties to Catholics. This marked a significant turning point
for Catholics in England, as they gained more recognition and acceptance.
The 20th century saw the expansion and growth of Catholicism in Britain.
+ The influence of immigration from Ireland, Italy, Poland and and other countries in
Europe, as well as conversions from Anglicanism, contributed to the increasing number
of Catholics in the country.
+ The Catholicism in Britain thus has a historically marginal status, maintain greater
cohesiveness & uniformity than Anglican Church. It occupies 10% of the population, 5%
of MPs.

4.2. Catholicism in Britain

Catholicism in Britain functions as part of the wider global Catholic Church,

headed by the Pope in Rome. Here is an overview of how Catholicism works in Britain:
10
Organizational Structure: The Catholic Church in Britain is divided into dioceses, each
led by a bishop. There are 22 Catholic dioceses in England and Wales, 8 dioceses in
Scotland, and a separate hierarchy in Northern Ireland. The bishops are responsible for
overseeing the faith, pastoral care, and administration of their respective dioceses.
Mass and Sacraments: The Mass is the central act of worship for Catholics, and it
is celebrated in Catholic churches throughout Britain. The sacraments, such as Baptism,
Holy Communion, Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), Marriage, and Anointing
of the Sick, are also administered by priests within the church.
An example of a significant holiday of Catholicism in Britain is the Walsingham
Pilgrimage (lễ hành hương đến đền Đức mẹ Walsingham) held in the village of
Walsingham in Norfolk. The Walsingham Pilgrimage is an opportunity for Catholics to
deepen their faith through devotional practices and communal worship. The festival
typically includes special services, such as the Candlelight Procession, where pilgrims
carry lit candles as they walk to the Holy House.
Role of the Clergy: The clergy in the Catholic Church includes bishops, priests,
and deacons. Bishops are the highest-ranking clergy and have jurisdiction over their
dioceses. Priests are responsible for leading Mass, administering sacraments, and
providing pastoral care to the faithful. Deacons assist priests and bishops in their duties.
Catholic Education: more serious at schools than at Ang. There is a strong
tradition of Catholic education in Britain. Catholic schools are funded by the state and
follow the national curriculum while incorporating Catholic teachings and values. These
schools are attended by Catholic and non-Catholic students.
Social Services and Charities: The Catholic Church in Britain is involved in
various charitable activities and social services. They run numerous organizations that
provide assistance to the needy, including homeless shelters, food banks, healthcare
facilities, and support for refugees and immigrants.

4.3. Compare the Catholicism in Britain and Vietnam

Catholicism in Britain Catholicism in Vietnam

Historical + Catholicism in Britain + Catholicism was introduced by

appeared during the Roman European missionaries, primarily the
Catholic Church's arrival in the Portuguese, Spanish, and French, in
11
 6th century. the 16th and 17th centuries.

+ The Reformation and the + The religion gained influence but

establishment of the Church of faced persecution during various
England by King Henry VIII in periods of Vietnamese history.
the 16th century significantly
impacted the dominance of
Catholicism in the country.

+ Make up a small percentage + Catholicism is more significant in

(about 10%) of the population Vietnam, where it is the second-
in Britain. largest religion after Buddhism, is

+ The majority of British estimated to about 7% of the total

Catholics are of Irish or Polish population.
Demographics
descent, along with a + Most of them are concentrated in
significant number of Filipinos certain regions: the Central
and other immigrant Highlands and the Northern
communities Provinces, and they are mostly
ethnic minorities.

The Roman Catholic Church in The Catholic Church in Vietnam

Britain is well-established, with operates under strict government
a hierarchical structure led by control due to communist policies.
Institutional
bishops and the Archbishop of The structures are more centralized,
Structures
Westminster. with the Vietnamese Bishops'
Conference leading the Church's
activities

Catholic religious education is Catholic schools aim to provide a

compulsory for Catholic broader understanding of world
Religious
students, often taught by priests religions, promoting tolerance and
Education
or religious sisters respect for different beliefs.

12
5. Other conventional Christian churches

The various Christian denominations in the United Kingdom have emerged from
schisms that divided the church over the centuries. The greatest of these occurred
in England in the 16th century, when Henry VIII rejected the supremacy of the pope.
This break with Rome facilitated the adoption of some Protestant tenets and the founding
of the Church of British although Roman Catholicism has retained adherents.

5.1. Protestantism

When Protestantism first took root in Britain, many people rejected not only
Catholic doctrine but also the 'Romish' style. This break with Rome facilitated the
adoption of Protestantism and the founding of the Church of British although Roman
Catholicism has retained adherents. These people did not join the newly established
Anglican Church. They regarded both the authority given to its clergy and its
continuation of orthodox ritual as obstacles to true worship. Instead, they placed great
importance on finding the truth for oneself in the words of the Bible and on living an
austere life of hard work and self-sacrifice. They disapproved of the pursuit of pleasure
and therefore frowned on public entertainments such as the theatre, drinking, gambling,
and any celebration of the sexual aspect of life.

This is the origin of the Puritan/Calvinist tradition in Britain. The first church
within this tradition was the Presbyterian Church. In Scotland, the Reformation gave rise
to the Church of Scotland, which was governed by presbyteries—local bodies composed
of ministers and elders—rather than by bishops, as was the case in England. This form of
Protestantism was so strong that it became the nation's established church. The Church of
Scotland is a separate organization from the Anglican Church. It has no bishops. Its head,
or "Moderator", is elected by its general assembly. It is the biggest religion in Scotland,
where it is often known simply as "the kirk" which means the church. Religious revivals
of the mid-18th century gave Wales a form of Protestantism closely linked with the
Welsh language; the Presbyterian Church of Wales (or Calvinistic Methodism) remains
the most powerful religious body in the principality.

5.2. Nonconformist

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 In the 17th century, further schisms divided the Church of England as a
consequence of the Puritan movement, which gave rise to so-
called Nonconformist denominations, such as the Baptists and the Congregationalists,
that reflected the Puritan desire for simpler forms of worship and church government.
The Society of Friends (Quakers) also originated at that time.

In British church history, Nonconformists, also called Dissenter or Free

Churchman, were Protestant Christians who did not conform to the governance and
usages of the state church, the Anglican Church.

The word Nonconformist was first used in the penal acts following the Restoration
of the monarchy (1660) and the Act of Uniformity (1662) to describe the conventicles
(places of worship) of the congregations that had separated from the Church of England
(Separatists). By the late 19th century, Nonconformists of different denominations joined
together in the Free Church Federal Council, they are also called Free Churchmen.

The term Nonconformist is generally applied in England and Wales to all

Protestants who have dissented from Anglicanism – Baptists, Congregationalists,
Presbyterians, Methodists, and Unitarians – and also to independent groups such as the
Quakers, Plymouth Brethren, English Moravians, Churches of Christ, and the Salvation
Army. In England and Wales in the late 19th century the new terms Free church and Free
churchman (or Free church person) started to replace Nonconformist. In Scotland, where
the established church is Presbyterian, members of other churches, including Anglicans,
are considered Nonconformists.

By law and social custom, Nonconformists were restricted from many spheres of
public life – not least, from access to public office, civil service careers, or degrees at
university – and were referred to as suffering from civil disabilities. But they all share, in
varying degrees, certain characteristics: they regard simplicity and individual; prayer as
more important than elaborate ritual and public ceremony; there is comparatively little
difference between their clergy (if they have any at all) and their lay members; they
praise self-denial, although to a lesser extent than the original Puritans.

5.3. Methodist Society

The Methodist Society is the largest traditional nonconformist group in Britain.

The Methodist movement traces its origin to the evangelical awakening in the 18th
14
century. It began with a group of men, including John Wesley and his younger brother
Charles, as a movement within the Church of England in the 18th century. John Wesley
started his career as an Anglican clergyman but he had little doctrinal disagreement with
the established church. However, he and his followers considered that it did not care
enough about the needs of ordinary people and that its hierarchy was not serious enough
about the Christian message.

The Methodist Society is known for its missionary work, and its establishment of
hospitals, universities, orphanages, soup kitchens, and schools to follow Jesus' command
to spread the Good News and serve all people. They were accustomed to receiving
communion every week, fasting regularly, and abstaining from most forms of amusement
and luxury. They also frequently visited the sick and the poor, as well as prisoners.

The early Methodists acted against perceived apathy in the Church of England,
preaching in the open air and establishing Methodist societies wherever they went. Most
Methodists identify with the Arminian conception of free will, through God's prevenient
grace, as opposed to the theological determinism of absolute predestination.

5.4. Baptists and Quakers

Two other nonconformist groups with a long history are the Baptists and the
Quakers. The Baptist movement in Britain dates from the early 17th century, with the
first Baptist church being founded by Thomas Helwys in 1612 in Spitalfields in London.
Baptists were Protestants who thought that the Reformation had not gone far enough. The
Pope might have been replaced by the monarch, but for them, the Church of England
with its Bishops and rituals still had too many Catholic elements. Baptists yearned for a
return to a purer form of worship based on the Bible, where the sermon and
understanding of scripture were central. They rejected infant baptism, believing that the
only scriptural form was baptism by total immersion for adult believers who chose or
were chosen by their congregations. The former are comparatively strict both in their
interpretation of the Bible and in their dislike of worldly pleasures. The latter, also known
as the Society of Friends (Quakers), was founded in 1652 by George Fox is a very small
group whose notable characteristics are their complete lack of clergy and their pacifism.
They refuse to fight in any war, though they do social work in ambulance and hospital
work.

15
6. Other religions, churches and religious movements

Being a multicultural nation with a relatively low pressure for conformity, Britain
accommodates adherents of nearly every conceivable religion and sect. Among these,
some emerge as branches or localized amalgamations of the ones previously mentioned.
For instance, the sole church with a distinct Welsh origin identifies itself as both the
“Calvinistic Methodist' and the 'Presbyterian Church of Wales.”

6.1. Christianity

In the latter half of the twentieth century, traditional Christian churches in Britain
have experienced a gradual and continuous decline in their number of followers. In
contrast, various other Christian sects and churches, often referred to as "evangelical,"
have been on the rise. These evangelical groups are characterized by their energetic
enthusiasm and efforts to attract new members. They share similarities with traditional
nonconformist groups by avoiding rigid rituals and placing a strong emphasis on
scripture.

Some of these evangelical groups, like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and
Seventh-day Adventists, originated in the United States and interpret the Bible quite
literally. They also provide strict codes of behavior for their members.

However, the fastest-growing type of evangelical Christianity in Britain diverges

from traditional dogma, sin, and strict behavioral codes. Instead, it places a focus on the
spiritual and miraculous, often involving joyful singing and a belief in spiritual healing.
The oldest of these groups, known as Pentecostalism, has had a working-class following
for many years, but its recent growth has been among the middle class. These groups
often began with informal meetings in people's homes, emphasizing minimal formality.
They are sometimes referred to as “charismatic” due to their enthusiasm and emphasis on
the miraculous.

6.2. New Age

The diversification of religious beliefs and practices in Britain beyond the

Christian tradition. It introduces the concept of the “New Age”, which encompasses a
wide range of beliefs influenced by Christianity, eastern religions, and ancient pagan

16
beliefs. These beliefs have been present in Britain for a long time, with various
movements like Theosophy, Druidism, Buddhism, and Christian Science having
followers for over a century.

Until the 1960s, New Age beliefs were primarily associated with the upper middle
class, but they have since spread to other segments of society. Despite their diversity, two
common features among New Age beliefs are an emphasis on personal or spiritual
development and a respect for the natural environment.

The passage also mentions that the remaining religious groups with significant
followings in Britain are associated with racial minorities. Jews are well-established in
the country, and anti-Semitism, while present, is weaker than in other parts of Europe.
Judaism in Britain shows a diversity of viewpoints, similar to the Anglican and Catholic
churches.

Furthermore, the populations of Christian Orthodox, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim

adherents are on the rise, primarily attributable to elevated birth rates within these
communities. Among them, the Muslim community stands as the largest and exhibits
heightened political involvement, driven by factors like socioeconomic disparities, racial
discrimination, and confrontations with authorities. This heightened engagement
contributes to a greater likelihood that young Muslims will remain committed to their
faith.

Within the Muslim community, there have been instances of internal conflicts,
exemplified by events such as the Salman Rushdie affair and the advocacy for Muslim
schools, mirroring the existence of Catholic and Jewish state schools in the country.

6.3. Cults

Finally, it is essential to discuss a category known as “cults”. The beliefs held by

these groups exhibit such a wide range that generalizing about them proves impossible.
What appears to be a common thread among them is their unwavering devotion to and
unquestioning allegiance toward the leader at the center of their beliefs (often, it is only
in this sense that they can be categorized as religions). Cults have garnered a negative
reputation due to their use of mind-control techniques. Their extremist tendencies often
offend the majority of people, and, with few exceptions, each individual cult remains

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relatively small in size. Nevertheless, estimates suggest that there are between 500 and
700 of these groups in the country, collectively boasting nearly half a million followers.

6.4. Compare with Vietnam

Religious Diversity:

Vietnam: Vietnam is also a diverse religious nation, with the presence of major
religions like Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, and Caodaism, along with folk beliefs such
as Đạo Cao Đài and Hoa Hao. Additionally, there are some other minority religions.

United Kingdom: The United Kingdom also exhibits religious diversity with the presence
of various major religions like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, alongside new religious
movements and New Age beliefs.

Changes in Traditional Religions:

Vietnam: In Vietnam, traditional religions like Buddhism and Catholicism remain

relatively stable, but there has been a slight decline in some religions, especially in the
modern era.

United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, traditional religions like Christianity

have experienced a decline in the number of followers in the latter half of the 20th
century.

New Religious Movements:

Vietnam: In Vietnam, there is also the development of new religious movements

and unique cults.

United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has witnessed the growth of new religious
movements, including Pentecostal and New Age movements, each with its distinct
characteristics.

Minority Religions:

Vietnam: In Vietnam, minority religions often relate to various ethnic minority

communities, such as Protestantism, Cham Islam, and folk beliefs of different ethnic
groups.

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 United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, minority religions are often associated
with immigrant communities, such as Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, and People's
Catholicism.

In summary, both Vietnam and the United Kingdom exhibit religious diversity and
various religious movements. However, the extent of diversity and the development of
religions may differ, depending on the history, culture, and society of each country.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think it is true that the British people do not really think about
religion or go to church?

2. What is the relationship between religion and politics in Britain in modern

times?
3. How does the concept of "Englishness" impact the Anglican Church's
identity? why is it significant to its members?

4. Historically, what is the difference between Catholicism in Vietnam and

Britain?

5. Why not did the Methodist Society build a church for themselves?

6. Why do New Age believers focus on personal development and respect for the
natural environment?

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 CONCLUSION
From now on, after doing research paper, our group have general view about
British religions and also its origination in the UK. During implementing this topic, we
are likely to have some issues. After all, we also hope that we can bring about the best
paper that we can and our scope in this topic.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

REFERENCES
1. Cổng thông tin điện tử Quốc Hội nước CHXHCN Việt Nam. (2021). 5 CHỨC
SẮC TÔN GIÁO TRÚNG CỬ ĐẠI BIỂU QUỐC HỘI KHOÁ XV. Retrieved from:
https://quochoi.vn/pages/tim-kiem.aspx?ItemID=56425
2. Humanists Uk. Religion and belief some surveys and statistics. Restrieved 23
Septemper 2023 from: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/religion-and-belief-some-
surveys-and-statistics/
3. James, D. (2009). Britain for learners of English.Oxford University Press.
4. My Tiger Tour. Popular religions and worship in Vietnam. Restrieved 23
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worship-in-vietnam
5. Mariam, T. 2021. Is religious education compulsory in the UK, Italy and Greece.
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education-compulsory-in-the-uk-italy-and-greece/
6. Religion in the UK – UK Population Data. (n.d.). UK Population Data. Retrieved
September 23, 2023, from https://populationdata.org.uk/uk-religion/
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with Catholicism. VietCatholic News.
8. Padre, D. G. (2011). Three Strands. Anglican Military Ordinariate. The
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