Christianity is as relevant as ever...it's far from over

THERE are better early Christmas presents to give the Archbishop of Canterbury than a gift-wrapped copy of the latest census results. These show that less than half the population of England and Wales now describe themselves as “Christian”.

- David Williamson

Just two decades ago, 71.7 per cent of people identified this way. Today the figure is 46.2 per cent.

The link between nationality and religion is broken.

Tourists may beat a path to Westminster Abbey and look in awe at the wonders of Bible-inspired art in the National Gallery, but they shouldn’t assume the man or woman next to them in the queue at Starbucks is a Christian.

Queen Elizabeth II spoke with candour and eloquence of her Christian beliefs. But the census results make clear that the majority of adults do not share her faith.

It is not that people have transferred in large numbers to other religions. Rather, the share of the populace with “no religion” has soared – from 15 per cent in 2001 to 37.2 per cent.

The social pressure which once compelled people to put on their “Sunday best” and turn up in the pews has vanished.

Gone, too, is the idea that if your parents described themselves as Christians you would automatically subscribe to their beliefs.

John Lennon famously encouraged people to imagine a world without religion. Anyone wanting to see what that might look like can visit Caerphilly, which has the highest share (56.7 per cent) of people with no religious affiliation.

Young couples do not feel they need to get married in a church for their wedding to be meaningful.