Definition
Religion refers to people who belong to a major world religion such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam, and also people who belong to smaller religions or denominations, such as Rastafarianism or Methodism. Religion also includes people who do not identify with any particular religion, and also includes philosophical belief, such as atheism. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief that affects a person’s life choices or the way they live.
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against or harass someone because of their religion or beliefs, or lack thereof.
The broader picture
Figures from the 2001 census show that in the UK 71.8% of the population identified as Christian, 2.8% as Muslim, 1% as Hindu, 0.6% Sikh, 0.5% Jewish, 0.3% Buddhist, and other religion 0.3%. 15.1% stated that they had no religion. In total, 5.4% of the population identified as being a member of a non-Christian religion. 7.8% did not state their religion.
In Scotland, around 64% of the population identify as Christian, with 28% stating no religion. In Scotland, as in the UK, protestants make up the largest Christian denomination. However in Scotland the majority of protestants identify with the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and in England the majority of protestants identify with the Anglican Church of England.
In some parts of Scotland there are divisions between different religious groups which can impact on society and also on sport. In December 2011, the Scottish Parliament passed the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act to address some of the issues which arise from sectarianism in football.
For more information about this, please see the First Ministers Summit on tackling sectarianism in football and the SPICe Briefing on the Act.
Sport
Data from the 2009 Scottish Household Survey is outlined in the table below*. This shows participation in any sport excluding walking in the last four weeks, and then any sport including walking for people from different religious groups.
Participation in sport in the last four weeks by religion
|
Any sport (excluding walking) |
Any sport (including walking) |
|
None |
54% |
74% |
|
Church of Scotland |
46% |
68% |
|
Roman Catholic |
52% |
72% |
|
Other Christian |
50% |
76% |
|
Other Religion |
44% |
69% |
|
All |
50% |
72% |
*This analysis was completed by the Scottish Household Survey team for sportscotland.
When walking is included, people of ‘other Christian’ denominations are most likely to participate in sport, whilst excluding walking, people of no religion are most likely to participate regularly. People of other religions and those who identify with the Church of Scotland are least likely overall to participate in sport, both including and excluding walking.
Swimming was the most popular sport for all Christian religions and people of no religion, whilst keep fit/aerobics and gym was most popular for people of other religions.
sportscotland believes that all people, regardless of their religion or belief, should have the opportunity to participate in sport. sportscotland is committed to fulfilling its duty under the Equality Act 2010 to advance equality of opportunity regardless of religion or belief.
Additional resources