Religious Diversity in the UK: Contours and Issues

At a time when issues of religious diversity are ever present in the media and in public debate in the UK, student and general interest in this topic is at a new high.

Paul Weller’s new textbook provides an overview of the religious diversity of the UK. Informed by examples from the author’s own research and professional practice, and referring to other key sources, it takes a critical incident and case-study based approach to some of the major debates arising from that diversity. These include demographic, socio-economic and other issues from the Census; places of worship; hatred, respect and freedom of expression; governance and civil society; education; and discrimination and equal opportunities.

It facilitates engagement with topics of recent and often heated debate, such as The Satanic Verses, Jerry Springer the Opera, and Behzti controversies; wearing the veil; religious representation in public life; faith schools and student religious societies in higher education; religious rights; gay rights; and the impact of 7/7 on multi-culturalism in the UK.

With helpful features for students - such as study activities associated with the materials in each chapter; tasks and questions for discussion; a timeline of key events and developments; and bibliographical resources for further learning - this new companion to this fascinating area will be required reading.