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Barring the first few centuries of its history, Christianity has been the predominant religion in Britain. Christianity, as propounded by the Anglican Church of England, continues to be the dominant faith of the country. The head of the Church of England is the reigning British monarch, presently Queen Elizabeth II. According to the census of 2001, the Christian community of the country accounted for about 71% of the entire population. In addition to Christianity, other religions of Britain feature Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism and Sikhism. In Britain religion is a matter of individual choice. Religious diversity is one of the defining features of the British society that is the outcome of the right to religious freedom granted to the citizens of the country.
History of religion in Britain reflects the evolution of the country's faith from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism. It was during the reign of Henry VIII in 1533 that the Anglican Church was formed after breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of England was led by Henry VIII, who got the Bible translated into English. Those who adhered to his new faith came to be known as the Protestants. The country once again reverted back to Catholicism under Queen Mary in the year 1558. With the succession of Queen Elizabeth to the throne of the country, the Anglican Church was restored back to its former glory and since then it features as the official religion of the country.
Religion in Great Britain
In Great Britain majority of the people are Christians. The Christian communities of Great Britain include the followers of the Church of Scotland, Catholics, Church of England, Protestants, Church in Wales and other Christian denominations. Presbyterian Church of Scotland is the official Church of Scotland. A large number of inhabitants of Britain adhere to no religion. The 2001 census placed them at over 15% of the entire population, second only to the Christians. Among the non Christians, the Muslims are the largest religious denomination, with the Hindus occupying the second position. Tolerance towards all religions is the hallmark feature of the British society.
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