Less than half of the British people believe in a God, yet about 72% told the 2001 census that they were Christian, and 66% of the population have no actual connection to any religion or church, despite what they tend to write down on official forms.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has launched the Census Campaign, a drive for people who are not religious to say so on the 2011 census.
As the BHA reports:
After the 2001 Census, the figures collected were used to justify the following policies:
Increase in the number of faith schools
The continuation of collective worship in schools
The public funding and support of ‘interfaith’ and faith-based organisations above the support offered to secular organisations
Suggestions of an increase in the role of faith in Britain under the coalition government
The appointments of government advisors on faith
Contracting out public services to religious organisations
Keeping the 26 Bishops in the House of Lords as of right
Continued high number of hours dedicated to religious broadcasting
Specific consultation at government and local level with ‘faith communities’ over and above other groups within society
Continued privileges for religious groups in equality law and other legislation
It's time to change our peculiar habit of declaring on forms a religious affiliation when we have none. Stating "No religion" won't prevent you from declaring your cultural heritage, if you are say, a Jew or a Sikh, but without believing those faiths, you can use the "ethnicity" section. If you have any more questions, check they may well be answered here.
Obviously, this post is probably preaching to the converted, however, spread the word amongst your family and friends - link to the Census Campaign's site, add a banner to your blog, and donate if you can afford to.
Moat importantly:
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