United Kingdom

The four nations that constitute the sovereign nation-state “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”—England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—are all distinct, shaped by specific circumstances. Scotland, for example, has its own legal and education system and established church. The 1998 Scotland Act led to the formation of a Scottish parliament, though the U.K. parliament at Westminster (London) retains control over some areas such as defense. Wales's governing council was abolished in 1689 (leading to direct rule from Westminster), and it was only in 1999 that the Welsh National Assembly with various decision-making powers was created. The Anglican Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920. Northern Ireland has a [Page 1322]very particular religious and political history. It is now a distinct jurisdiction governed by a powersharing government. The Anglican Church of Ireland was disestablished in 1871.

This entry focuses on England and Northern Ireland—the latter could be argued to be the most divergent of the United Kingdom's components, and the former has been instrumental in the formation of not only contemporary Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales but also many elements of the modern world. Reference is made to Scotland and Wales when there are details or differences of particular note. Initially a brief history of the United Kingdom and religion within it is provided, with an emphasis on colonialism. Intensified immigration post–World War II and secularization in the 20th century are then considered. This leads on to a discussion of religion in the United Kingdom in the 21st century, focused on diversity and integration.