ellie

I've noticed that most churches in Britain are Protestant, but most of Europe seems to be Catholic. Is this Protestant Christianity the official religion in Britain, or is there such a thing as "official" religion in the UK and other countries in Europe? Or is religion kept separate from the government?

apollo

Ellie: is this a troll or are you really asking for a European history lesson encompassing most of the last 600 years (if not 2000!)<BR>Its such a long subject suggest you search for "Reformation" and "Counter-reformation" on Google or somewhere and come back when your head is in no danger of exploding.

Wayne

Obviously a troll. Post no replies.

Alexander

It depends on the definition of 'official' religions/churches. For historical reasons, mostly to do with the Reformation, there are dominant denominations in most European countries. Basically, Northern Europe is Protestant (including Anglican), while Southern Europe is Roman Catholic. In the middle you often have countries more-or-less evenly divided, like Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland. In England, the Church of England is the 'Established' Church - i.e. the Queen is the titular head ('governor'). In Scotland the Established church is the Church of Scotland, which is Presbyterian. There is no longer Established church in Wales (disestablished in 1920's) and Irish Republic (since independence). There are 'State' churches in Scandinavia, which are mostly Lutheran, and have varying degrees of relationship with the government. In predominantly Roman Catholic countries, relationship between the Church and State varies. In some, like in Spain, RC Church is the official religion, but there is complete freedom of belief. In Italy, and in many other countries, the state has signed a 'Concordat' or agreement with the RC Church, regulating the affairs. In case of Italy, the state protects the rights and sovereignty of the Apostolic See (Vatican City State), while the Church has relinquished most of the formerly vast Papal State except Vatican and a few small areas. In France, since the Revolution, the Church and State have remained separate, and until the last century there was a strong anti-clerical (anti-Catholic) movement, which had led to confiscation of church properties and withdrawal of civic rights, since restored under another Concordat. In Germany, Austria and some Nordic countries, state-registered churches receive a proportion of church tax collected by the state on behalf of churches, and the state often subsidises clergy pay and church maintenance. In recent years, though, with increased migration of people and the decline in church membership, the former distinction between 'Protestant' and 'Catholic' Europe has been watered down. There are now thriving RC communities in Northern Germany and Scandinavia, while churches suffer financially because so many people have opted out of paying church tax, esp in Germany. Also there is a far higher degree of co-operation between churches (ecumenism), burying former hostility and suspicions (one day, we hope, in Northern Ireland too).

Uncle Sam

...and the saddest part of all this is that you can wander into some of the most beautiful churches in the world in Europe on a Sunday and they remain virtually void of worshipers.<BR><BR>While England, for example, is said to embrace Protestant Christianity, studies show that only 4 to 6 percent attend a church and far more than 50% of the Brits even claim to have a religious affiliation.<BR><BR>Very sad indeed.<BR><BR>US

Sjoerd

Many mainstream religions are intolerant, backward institutions. (examples: look at how Islam treats women and Catholicism treats gays) It is good news that people don't go to church anylonger. I have respect for a person who believes, but most churches are instruments of division and hate.

Gareth

Why is it sad. ever one has the right to believe and in the same not believe in what they want. I think religion has become more persional, and they is a movement away from organised religion, to a more persional reflection on the meaning of life.

Gareth

Must say sorry for my realy bad spelling in my last post.<BR><BR>Gareth

Sheila

Just for the record, Scotland does not have an established Church.

Alexander

Hmmm. Can anyone give a reasoned argument why in Western Europe the mainstream churches are on the decline, while in the United States the churches are still thriving and large numbers are to be found worshipping on Sundays?

clairobscur

There's no concordat in France. It has been revoked at the beginning of the century. Except in the Alsace and Lorraine regions, since German law (dating from the german occupation 1870-1918) still applies there.<BR><BR>Similarily, church property has not been given back. Cathedrals are still owned by the state and loaned to religious organizations, and churches are owned by towns or villages. Only churches build after 1905 are church property. (an unintended advantage is that the state has to pay for the upkeep of these buildings, which are public monuments and not private property. I doubt the catholic church would be financially able to keep dozens of cathedrals in good shape)<BR><BR>The separation between church and state ("laicite") is an extremely strong element of french political culture, due to a long historical opposition between the catholic church and the republic, which had to fight the church influence at any turn of history. <BR><BR>By french standarts, the seperation between church and state would be considered as not being respected in the US. The mere mention of god by a french official acting as such (for instance in a public speech) would cause a major uproar. Let alone swearing on the bible, or writing "in god we trust" on banknotes.

Gobbless

Obviously, you Europeans are a bunch of godless heathen socialist losers while we Americans are upright moral godfearing capitalist winners. Our wealth proves our righteousness.<BR><BR>God loves us better than you guys because we pray before every sporting event and war. That's why he encourages us to grab every bit of wealth available as proof of his approval. Just ask Max Weber and Talcott Parsons.<BR><BR>When you sadly secular Europeans get religion, then you too can abandon your infrastructure in favor of no-health-care (God doesn't like people who don't want to make a profit on medical help), chaotic transportation (God doesn't like trains or mass transit), and fundamentalist theories of creation (God thinks animals should be animals and people should be gods like Him).<BR>

Aunt Jennie

Alexander. Interesting question! Also, it includes assumptions which may vary from church to church. Some churches are declining in membership, especially the established ones that have, frankly, boring services and don't welcome new faces. Some are growing, particularly evangelical churches that make new people feel welcome and celebrate the joy of worship. <BR><BR>Overall, though, I, too, have read that Americans attend church more than Europeans. I have wondered about this, myself but can only speculate. So, here goes! In large parts of America, one has to look for a "community" and sense of belonging. I think it is harder here than in much of Europe, where ones roots are planted way, way down. Through church membership, one may find that connectedness. Particularly, many of us encourage our children to be involved to reenforce our values (the golden rule, and more) and so they will meet children whose parents care - a good crowd, as it were. Again, parents in America may feel their children need more "direction" (organized social life) because there are so many scary people out there, including in school.

jack

as to the question why americans are more god fearing than europeansBR>well wouldn't you put your trust in God if George Dubya was leader of your country!!

cd

Thanks Alexander and all who have given such educated replys! Good Post.

cd

opps, "replies"

Uncle Sam

Sjoerd said,<BR><BR>"Many mainstream religions are intolerant, backward institutions. (examples: look at how Islam treats women and Catholicism treats gays) It is good news that people don't go to church anylonger. I have respect for a person who believes, but most churches are instruments of division and hate. "<BR><BR>Well Sjoerd, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However before you choose to condemn most organized religion I would suggest you consider the following:<BR><BR>1. Many denominations are open and as liberal as you would appear to like. They allow homosexual pastors, priests, and they condone whatever behaviour that anyone chooses to become ivolved with. Their goal is not to judge, nor to stand for traditional right or wrong and they are losing members.<BR><BR>2. Another group of churches adheres to the Biblical teachings. They require men to be pastors or priests, they view homosexuality as sin, they view adultery as a sin and so on. They are growing in membership.<BR><BR>Now why is that so?<BR><BR>In the US people are searching for truth. Many are finding it in the very same place it has always existed. No need to take a poll over what is right and wrong.<BR><BR>The evangelical churches are reaching out to people, loving them and accepting them regardlesss of their past sins. They preach truth, but they accept people as they are and try to meet their needs. The newcomers are willing to repent and accept the traditional teachings and they are lovingly welcomed regardless of their past. As Jesus himslef said, "go and sin no more."<BR><BR>Now, are their lunatics at the fringe...of course. You see them in the media murdering gays, killing abortion doctors etc.<BR><BR>They are wrong, wrong , wrong!<BR><BR>As for Uncle Sam, it's easy. Among other reasons, I attend church for the same reason I would go to a hospital if in need. I'm looking for answers that God provides to cure me of my sin problems. Heck, from this board alone, you can tell I'm not perfect and am in need of a lot of forgiveness!<BR><BR>US

David

Religion is on the decline here too.<BR><BR>http://www.washtimes.com/culture/20020411-49783096.htm

Iris

To Sjoerd: I totally agree with you! I believe that religion has done more harm than good. Many if not most wars have been fought in the name of (god) religion. And just look what the catholic priests have done to our joung people through the years. <BR>Yes, in many european countries only a fraction of the population go to church or even believe in god, but so what, that doesn't make people treat each other worse. Although there a practicly churches on every street corner of the United States, we seem to believe in robbing and raping thay neighbor rather than what we supposed to do. There was a study done a few years ago that said, for example, in Sweden there a actually very few people going to church on a regular basis but they are much more tolerant of people that are different and take much better care of each other.Where as we Americans go to church every Sunday but generally don't act like christians.

Aunt Bessie

To Anut Jennie;<BR>There are more scary people in church than there are in school.<BR>What I object to is that a lot of church-goers think they are better (more moral, have better values, more honest, etc) then non-goers. This is nonsense, people go to church to become better people because they aren't there yet. Why they get so self-righteous about it is one of their greatest failures.