Religion & Change In Modern Britain

This book offers an unparalleled guide to religion in contemporary Britain. Since 1945 the story of religion in Britain is one of diversity and change. Non-Christian communities have played an increasingly important role, whilst the growth of secularism and the rise of alternative spiritualities have changed both the internal and external religious landscape. This book offers a fully up-to-date and comprehensive guide to religion in Britain since 1945. A team of leading scholars provide a fresh analysis and overview, with a particular focus on diversity and change. They examine: relations between religious and secular beliefs and institutions the evolving role and status of the churches the growth and ‘settlement’ of non-Christian religious communities the spread and diversification of alternative spiritualities religion in welfare, education, media, politics and law theoretical perspectives on religious change. The volume presents the latest research, including results from the largest-ever research initiative on religion in Britain, the AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Programme. Survey chapters are combined with detailed case studies to give both breadth and depth of coverage. The text is accompanied by relevant photographs and a companion website.