Tôn Giáo

The UK is historically a Christian country. Major denominations include the Church of England, Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Baptist Church, and Presbyterian Church.

The Church of England is the established church in England with a formal relationship with the state. The monarch (currently King Charles III) is its head. The senior bishop is the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is a Protestant church, having separated from Rome during Henry VIII's reign in the 16th century.

The Church of Scotland is Presbyterian and is Scotland's national church. The monarch is not its head. It is governed by the General Assembly, headed by the Moderator.

There is no established church in Wales or Northern Ireland. The Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920, and the Church of Ireland in 1871. The Roman Catholic Church has a significant presence throughout the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

Other major religions practised in the UK include Islam (the second largest religion), Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism. These communities have grown significantly since the mid-20th century through immigration.

Religious freedom is a fundamental principle. Everyone has the right to practise their religion or have no religion at all. It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their religion or belief.

Each UK nation has a patron saint:

• St George — patron saint of England (celebrated 23 April)
• St Andrew — patron saint of Scotland (celebrated 30 November, a bank holiday in Scotland)
• St David — patron saint of Wales (celebrated 1 March)
• St Patrick — patron saint of Northern Ireland (celebrated 17 March, a bank holiday in Northern Ireland)