A brief Introduction to Religions in England

Well-known and commonly practiced religion is Christianity in Modern England.  Many religions like paganism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are also thriving in the Modern England. Religions are various roads to understand the God in their own faith from ancient eras to modern times.

Paganism flourished in different forms like Anglo-Saxon Paganism and Norse Paganism during past centuries in England.

Celtic Polytheism thrived for some past centuries. Celtic polytheism remained as the dominant religion during the Iron Age in the region.

Roman Polytheism was introduced to England by the Roman empire during their invasion and occupation of the region (modern England). Druids, the Celtic priestly Caste were treated as outlaws by Claudius. Britons continued their practice of worshiping Celtic pagan deities still.

Anglo-Saxon Paganism thrived with the arrival of immigrants from the other parts of the European continent during the Dark Ages. Conversion to Christianity became common with the Anglo-Saxons.

Immigrants from Scandinavia brought Norse Paganism with them.

Christianity was introduced by Romans. Archaeological evidence of Christian communities began to show during the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Christianity was brought again through the missionaries from Scotland and continental Europe. Saint Augustine (the first Bishop of Canterbury) and the Celtic Christian missionaries from the north played a vital role in the early history of Christianity in England.

Roman Catholicism: English Church had strong Roman influence until 1558. The church in England separated from Rome due to the issue of divorce (King Henry VIII).

Charles II tried to give religious freedom for the Protestants during 1672.

James II tried to give freedom of religion in England.(1687-1688).

British monarch remains as the formal Governor of the Church of England, but the Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader for the church for the modern England.

Quaker religion has its roots in England during the 1650s. Quakers believe that there is God in every human being. Every human being is unique in their distinct traits. Quakers are interested in issues of human rights, social justice, environmental issues. Quakers believe that everyone can have a relationship with God without the guidance of priest or minister.

Hinduism came to England with the immigrants from India. There is also a new trend of English western Hindus.

Judaism: Judaism was the only non-christian religion present in the records during the time of Norman Quest (1066).

Buddhism : Buddhism came to England through the royal imperial contact with southeast Asian regional countries-Thailand and Burma.

Exploration of  the various religions in England is an interesting topic to ponder for novice and scholars. Christianity remains as the dominant religion for the modern England. Many well-known monuments like - West Minster Abbey and  St.Paul’s Cathedral are wonderful religious icons regardless of the era.

source en.wikipedia.org