Faith
The Home Office aims to help bring about a society
in which different belief systems, whether religious
or otherwise, are understood, respected and valued.
The 2001 National Census shows that over three-quarters
of respondents reported having some religious affiliation.
The UK population by religion, April 2001:
| Faith |
% |
Faith |
% |
| Christian |
71.6 |
Sikh |
0.6 |
| Buddhist |
0.3 |
Other religion |
0.3 |
| Hindu |
1.0 |
All religions (total) |
76.8 |
| Jewish |
0.5 |
No religion |
15.5 |
| Muslim |
2.7 |
Not stated |
7.3 |
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The experience and resources of the faith communities
are invaluable and the Home Office strives to ensure
that these communities are given the opportunity to
participate fully in society through voluntary activity
and other faith based projects.
These pages provide a summary of the our work on faith
issues.
News
Review of the Government's Interface with the
Faith Communities - 29/03/04
The report and recommendations of the recent Review
were launched on 29 March by the Prime Minister, Home
Secretary and Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart.
Working
Together: Co-operation between Government and Faith
Communities explores ways that Government Departments
to work more effectively with faith communities in policy
areas where their perspectives are relevant.
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Bill on the application of the principle of
secularity (laïcité) in State schools -
29/03/04
France’s National Assembly approved the bill
the week ending 13 February. 494 of the 577 National
Assembly deputies voted in favour of the legislation.
The bill contains three articles and proposes that
“in State primary and secondary schools, the wearing
of signs or clothes conspicuously denoting a religious
affiliation” be prohibited.
Although the Home Office understands why France has
chosen to follow this path, we can assure you that the
UK will not be following this example.
Burial reform - 29/03/04
The Government is committed to reviewing both the law
and current practice relating to burial and cemetery
management to ensure that the standards of service fulfil
the expectations and needs of the public today.
To that end, on 15 January, the Government launched
the consultation paper “Burial
Law and Policy in 21st century: the need for a sensitive
and sustainable approach”
The paper seeks views from members of the public, as
well as from faith groups, professionals, industry and
other interested parties. It invites comment on the
practicalities of legislation, regulation and maintenance
of burial grounds and burial procedures – including
exhumation and the possible re-use of old burial grounds.
Responses will feed into a review of burial law, currently
underway.
It is important to understand that the Government is
not making any proposals
at this stage. Clearly this is a sensitive and important
issue, and we are acutely aware that any change to legislation
will understandably arouse religious and cultural concerns.
Copies of the consultation paper are also available
from the Home Office Coroners and Burials Team (020
7035 5582).
The consultation period will end on 13 July
2004.
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