The latest census results on religion will show Christianity continuing to decline, while the reach of Islam – and magic – are growing, an academic has predicted.
These particular 2021 census results are due to be released this autumn onwards, but religious studies professor Linda Woodhead anticipates a drop in those identifying as ‘Christian’ to below 50% – and a rise of up to 8% in Muslims.
Speaking at the annual lecture of the Religion Media Centre, she said: ‘The churches have failed dramatically as moral authorities, with the abuse scandals being just the latest nail in that coffin.’
Political Islam
There are 3.9 million Muslims in England and Wales – 6.5% of the population, up from 4.9% in 2011. The …