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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Harriet Sherwood

Why is the Christian population of England and Wales declining?

Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, pictured at the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet
Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, pictured at the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet on 28 November, will preside over next year’s coronation of King Charles III. Photograph: James Veysey/Rex/Shutterstock

England and Wales are now minority Christian countries for the first time since census data collection began, with less than half the population describing themselves as Christian, and a big increase in the proportion of people saying they have no religion.

The changes are significant in a country with an established church. The Church of England is afforded influence and privileges that some argue are out of kilter with a falling proportion of the population identifying as Christian.

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