Islam and magic increase?

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.’

Professor Woodhead, an Anglican, claimed strict moral stands had turned Christianity into a ‘toxic’ brand and the next generation did not want it.

Alongside a decline in religion, Woodhead predicted a rise and diversification in paganism and a continued fascination with magic, the occult and the afterlife. She said: ‘More of my students and Gen Z as a whole are actively interested in astrology and tarot. They access it on apps on their phone. They might join a pagan group or a Wiccan group.’