The UK as a multi faith society

Question 1

Statistics on different ethnic groups

Answer 1

• In 2001 the UK had 1,500,000 Muslims, 500,000 Hindus, 300,000 Sikhs, 250,000 Jews.
• 36% of people in Tower Hamlets were Muslims
• 14% of people in Birmingham were Muslims
• Leicester was 14% Hindu

Question 2

Benefits of living in a multi-faith society

Answer 2

• Learn what other religions are about from friends and neighbours
• Seeing others who are committed to their religion may make others think about their own faith more
• People are likely to become a lot more understanding
• Cause more religious tolerance which will limit conflict

Question 3

Issues for religion in a multi faith society:Conversion

Answer 3

• Teachings of religions can be in conflict with each other.
• Some see it as their duty to convert others. This causes problems because this could be seen as a type of prejudice. This could lead to arguments and violence.

Question 4

Issues for religion in a multi faith society: Bringing up children

Answer 4

In the UK children come into contact with lots of other religions and they may go against their parents. Some religions say parents must keep children in their faith in order to see them when they die. Could cause friction between parents and children.

Question 5

Issues for religion in a multi faith society: Inter faith marriage

Answer 5

People of different religions meet and fall in love. Causes problems e.g. where will they marry, and which religion will their children grow up in? If these are not worked out then they can lead to hatred and violence.

Question 6

How religions promote community cohesion in UK

Answer 6

1. Work with other religions to see what they have in common. E.g. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all believe in Abraham and Moses. Try to find ways to live together.
2. Develop ways of having interfaith marriages e.g. Protestant churches and liberal Jewish synagogues have special wedding services for mixed couples.
3. Respond to how children should be brought up e.g. Some Protestant Churches and liberal Jewish synagogues encourage mixed couples to raise children in both faiths and let the child decide when they are older.
4. Join together in special groups to explore ways of helping community cohesion e.g. the Inter Faith Network has members from lots of religions working together to promote good relations between religions.