Religion and patron saints

Test atoms

Learn these as compact test facts. Then practise recognising the same fact in different wording.

What not to over-learn first

• Do not study theology first. Learn roles and status: Church of England established in England; Church of Scotland Presbyterian.
• Keep head of the Church of England and spiritual leader separate.

Spot the correct statement

The real test often asks you to recognise a correct sentence, not write an answer from memory. You should be able to spot statements like these:

• The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Church of England.

Religious freedom

People in the UK have the legal right to choose a religion or not practise a religion.

Many religions are practised in the UK.

Large religious communities in the UK include Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jewish people.

Churches to separate

The Church of Scotland is governed by ministers and elders.

Patron saints

Only Scotland and Northern Ireland treat their patron saint’s day as an official holiday.

Common traps

• The Church of England is not the same as the Church of Scotland.
• The Church of England is the established Protestant Church in England.
• The monarch is head of the Church of England.
• The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Church of England.
• Wales and Northern Ireland do not have an established Church.
• Scotland and Northern Ireland treat patron saint days as official holidays.

Words to recognise

Church of England, Anglican, Archbishop of Canterbury, Church of Scotland, Presbyterian, Moderator, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, St David, St Patrick, St George, St Andrew, Westminster Abbey.

The Church of England also appears in Tudors and Stuarts. Practise this topic in culture and traditions practice.

Quick check