Census reveals thousands of multi-faith households

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

An analysis of data from the 2021 Census has revealed nearly 300,000 multi-faith households across England and Wales. 

Some 285,000 households in the two nations - 1.6% - were shown to have at least two different faiths under the same roof, according to the analysis by the PA news agency.

A further 81,800 homes (0.3%) had people belonging to three or more faiths. 

Hounslow and Westminster, in London, had the highest proportion of multi-faith households at 5.5% each. This was followed by Barnet and Harrow, both at 5.1%. 

The highest outside of London was Slough at 4.6%, followed by Hertsmere and Oxford (both 3.8%) and Cambridge (3.7%). 

In Wales, Cardiff was home to the highest proportion of multi-faith households (1.8%). 

Some 7.5m people - around a third of households across England and Wales - did not have any religion. 

Rev Richard Sudworth, the Church of England's national inter-religious affairs adviser, told Sky News that the findings pointed to "many stories of love, loyalty and mutual care across religious difference".

The 2021 Census revealed a further decline in the number of people identifying as Christian, falling below half for the first time. 

Figures released earlier this year also revealed that Christians are the oldest on average among people of faith in England and Wales.

While Christians had an average age of 51, Muslim were the youngest at 27 years old on average, followed by those with "no religion" - 32 years old.

News
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz

A brass plaque has been laid in honour of a Church of Scotland school matron who died in Auschwitz during the Second World War.

Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism
Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — named after the Jordan River and ruled by pro-Western King Abdullah II — is organizing a major global celebration marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s baptism.

Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion
Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion

The benefits cap may have been a factor in some women's decisions to have an abortion.

Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits
Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits

A report by the European Centre for Law and Justice documents the continuing difficulties faced by Turkey’s Christian minority.