The following guest post comes to us from The Spectator, a weekly publication from the United Kingdom. We’ve seen research studies that show Christianity is on the decline in America and now this new report shows that Christianity is officially a minority in the UK. The study shows a full 48% of the population there now choose no religion at all! Read on to learn more . . .
A landmark in national life has just been passed. For the first time in recorded history, those declaring themselves to have no religion have exceeded the number of Christians in Britain. Some 44 per cent of us regard ourselves as Christian, 8 per cent follow another religion and 48 per cent follow none. The decline of Christianity is perhaps the biggest single change in Britain over the past century. For some time, it has been a stretch to describe Britain as a Christian country. We can more accurately be described now as a secular nation with fading Christian institutions.
There is nothing new in the decline of the church, but until recently it had been a slow decline. For many decades it was possible to argue that while Christians were eschewing organised religion, they at least still regarded themselves as having some sort of spirit-ual life which related to the teachings of Jesus. Children were asked for their Christian name; conversations ended with ‘God bless’. Such phrases are now slipping out of our vocabulary — to wear a cross as jewellery is seen as making a semi-political statement. Christians are finding out what it’s like to live as a minority.
Just 15 years ago, almost three quarters of Britons still regarded themselves as Christians. If this silent majority of private, non-churchgoing believers really did exist, it has undergone a precipitous decline. Five years ago, the number of people professing no religion was only 25 per cent.
Click here to read the full article.
Your partner in ministry,
Nelson
P.S. – We’re going to address this issue head-on at this year’s Church Systems Check-up and Bootcamp. Our special focus: “Reaching the Unchurched – Combating the Rise of the Nones.” The “Nones” are the fastest growing people group in America – they identify themselves as having “no religious affiliation.”
Discover the latest strategies and systems in how to grow your church in this new reality. You’ll walk away with practical solutions to reach more people for Christ!
Plus – ALL the most impactful lessons and new applications for each of the eight systems of a healthy church. It’s like a primer, check-up and “next-step” event all rolled into an expanded three powerful days.
Need to register? HURRY – Receive the Early Bird rate and save $400.00 when you register by TOMORROW, June 17th. Just click the link below to save your spot now:
www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/systemscheckup
HURRY! Early Bird rate and bonuses ends TOMORROW, Friday, June 17th.
Share This Post