Religion in Scotland

Religion In Scotland

Christianity is the largest religion in Scotland. At the 2001 census 65.09% of the Scottish population was Christian. The Church of Scotland, often known as The Kirk, is recognised in law as the national church of Scotland. It is not an established church and is independent of state control. However, it is the largest religious grouping in Scotland, with 42.4% of the population. The other major denomination is the Roman Catholic Church, the traditional Christian church of Scotland prior to the Reformation, which claimed 15.88% of the population, and is especially important in West Central Scotland and the Highlands. There are also around 50,000 each of Baptists, Episcopalians and conservative Presbyterians, with smaller numbers of Quakers, Pentecostal, Gospel Hall. The only churches to witness an increase in attendance are independent churches, which include the popular evangelical wing.

Judaism has been established in Scotland since at least the High Middle Ages. In recent years other religions have established a presence in Scotland, mainly through immigration, though also partly through the attraction of converts. Those with the most adherents are Islam (mainly among immigrants from South Asia), Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. Other minority faiths include the Bahá'í Faith and small Neopagan groups. There are also various organisations which actively promote humanism, rationalism and secularism, reflecting the 28% who claim to have no religious beliefs, or did not state a religion.

Orthodox Christianity has a significant presence in most of the large cities of Scotland. Although it was once present mainly through the Greek Orthodox Church, its churches have become the place of worship for many other Orthodox Christians from Russia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and many other countries (mainly former USSR states).