Unit 4: The importance of Christian traditions in British society Flashcards
When can elements of Christianity be seen in everyday British life?
- School terms are arranged around the Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter
- The Christian calendar influences other British traditions like Valentine’s Day (a Saint’s day) or Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)
- The week has 7 days and some people think this may reflect the biblical story of creation.
What are other elements of Christianity in everyday British life?
- Shops have restrictions on the hours they can be open on Sundays, the Christian day of rest
- Large stores can’t be open during Christian festivals like Christmas
- Many popular names came from the Bible such as Daniel, Sarah or Aaron
Give an example of a popular superstition that has Christian origin
The number 13 is considered unlucky because 13 men sat down to the last meal Jesus ate before his death.
What’s the Sunday Assembly? (Case Study)
- Started by Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans
- They both wanted to do something that was like church but totally secular and inclusive of all
- Soon people all over the world wanted to start one
- Now there are 68 Sunday Assembly chapters in 8 different countries
- People sing songs, hear inspiring talks and create community together
What is the largest religion in Britain?
Christianity, making up over half of the population.
Statistic in the 2011 Census for England: 59.4% are Christians in England
What’s different from the 2011 Census for England and the one in 2001?
- The number of Christians had fallen by 12% since 2001
- At the same time, the number of Muslims and people of no religion had increased
What’s the established Church in England?
The Church of England since it is the biggest.
What does establishment mean?
- The Church has strong links with the State like the government and government institutions
- For example the law, education and the military
- Establishment also means that the reigning Monarch is both Head of State and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Who is the Monarch?
- The Monarch is the Head of State of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth countries.
- The Monarch is also Defender of the Faith and the Supreme Governor of the Church of England
- The faith of which he or she is defender of isn’t Christianity in general, but the Church of England in particular.
Who is the Monarch crowned by?
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is Primate (first bishop) of the Church of England.
Who is the current Monarch?
Charles III
What is different about the role of the Monarch today?
Charles makes decisions within Parliament, rather than on his own like Henry VIII (8th) did.
What is the role of the Monarch (or Supreme Governor of the COE) today?
- Approves the appointment of senior clerics (archbishops, bishops, deans of cathedrals) on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
- These clerics take an oath of loyalty to the Monarch and may not resign without his/her authority
- Opens new sessions of the General Synod (the Church’s governing body)
- Keeps the vows made at his/her coronation to maintain the Church
Info about the General Synod
- Since 1919, the Synod has had the power to propose laws on any matter concerning the COE.
- These laws are called Measures
- The Measures are taken to both Houses of Parliament to be passed
- Following acceptance of the Measures by both Houses of Parliament, they’re submitted for Royal Assent (agreement by the Monarch) and become law
The Church in Wales
- The Anglican Church in Wales was part of the Church of England since the time of Henry VIII
- However, during the 19th century, Welsh Anglicans and other Protestants felt that the COE was marginalising the Church in Wales
- It was disestablished in 1920