Islam is the second-largest religion in England and Wales, with approximately 7% of the population identifying as Muslim. This number is expected to rise to around 20% by 2050. In Scotland, the Muslim population is between 2% and 3%. Many British Muslims, or their parents, originate from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

The United Kingdom as a political entity dates back to 1603, when King James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne, becoming King James I of England—a monarch best known for commissioning the King James Bible. Today, the United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Geographically, Great Britain is a single island, while Northern Ireland shares the island of Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.

At its height, the British Empire encompassed nearly a quarter of the world’s population and territory. Its global influence helped spread Christianity, particularly through the efforts of Anglican and Presbyterian missionaries who traveled to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

According to legend, Saint Joseph of Arimathea brought Christianity to Britain in the 1st century. While this remains uncertain, historical records confirm that Christianity had taken root by the 3rd century, as British bishops were present at a church council in Arles, France, in the early 400s.

Over the centuries, Britain experienced waves of invasions and migrations, including the arrival of the Angles and Saxons from continental Europe. This is why English is most closely related to Frisian, a language still spoken in the northern Netherlands. The very name England means land of the Angles.

The Decline of Christianity in the UK

Christianity in the UK has declined significantly in recent decades. The state churches—the Church of England and the Church in Wales (both Anglican), and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)—once played a central role in British society. In 1980, approximately 11.1% of the population attended church; by 2005, that number had dropped to 6.3%, and today it is even lower, at around 5%.

Meanwhile, Muslim immigration from Pakistan, India, and other former British colonies has grown rapidly. Many former churches have been converted into mosques, and today, more people attend mosque services on Friday than attend the state churches on Sunday.

However, there are signs of hope for Christianity in the UK. Pentecostal and Catholic churches have seen growth, fueled by immigration from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Poland, and Latin America. Additionally, a significant number of people have converted from Islam to Christianity, though such conversions often come with personal risks. Anecdotal evidence suggests that converts sometimes face persecution, and reports indicate that authorities may be hesitant to intervene due to fears of being accused of racism.

Challenges Facing the UK

In recent years, the UK has faced a rise in violent crime, including knife attacks, terrorism, honor killings, and acid attacks on women. Meanwhile, an increasing number of migrants have arrived via small boats from France, often seeking the UK's generous welfare benefits. Deportation remains rare.

At the same time, the cost of living has soared, with energy prices and real estate costs rising sharply. The National Health Service (NHS), once a point of national pride, struggles with delays and systemic dysfunction. The British Navy, which once built and maintained a vast maritime empire, has significantly declined in global influence.

A Call to Prayer

Despite its challenges, the UK has a rich Christian heritage, producing great thinkers like C.S. Lewis (Anglican) and J.R.R. Tolkien (Catholic), as well as missionaries such as Saints Patrick and Boniface. As Britain navigates an uncertain future, consider praying for your British friends. Ask them how they see their country's future and how you can pray for them. Encourage them to rediscover the great Christian legacy their nation has given to the world.