Faith Communites
Faith, Belief and Community Life
Faith and belief traditions form an important part of human history, culture and community life. Across the United Kingdom and in Luton, religious diversity reflects the social, cultural and global connections that shape modern society.
The United Kingdom is home to people who follow a wide range of religious traditions as well as those who identify with secular, humanist or non-religious worldviews. This plurality of belief is a natural feature of contemporary civic life.
Understanding different faith traditions helps build mutual respect, reduce misunderstanding and support positive relationships between communities. The Luton Council of Faiths encourages learning, dialogue and engagement across traditions while respecting the unique identity and dignity of every community.
This page provides introductory public education information about the major faith and belief communities represented in the United Kingdom and in Luton.
Religious Diversity in the United Kingdom (Census 2021)
The 2021 Census for England and Wales provides the most recent official data on religious affiliation.
• Christianity remains the largest religious identity, representing approximately 46% of the population.
• Around 37% of people reported having no religious affiliation.
• Islam is the largest minority religion at approximately 6–7%.
• Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Judaism each represent smaller but significant communities.
These figures apply to England and Wales, as Scotland and Northern Ireland conduct separate census processes.
Religious Composition of Luton (Census 2021)
Luton is one of the most religiously diverse towns in England.
• Christian – approximately 37.9%
• Muslim – approximately 32.9%
• No religion – approximately 17.6%
• Hindu – approximately 3.3%
• Sikh – approximately 1.3%
• Buddhist – approximately 0.3%
• Other religions – approximately 0.5%
• Religion not stated – approximately 6.1%
This diversity reflects Luton’s history of migration, global connection and cultural exchange.
Brief Insights into Major Faith Traditions
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic faith centred on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christian belief emphasises love, forgiveness, compassion and service to others. Worship is expressed through prayer, scripture reading and participation in church communities. Christianity has influenced British social history, education, healthcare and charitable traditions. It exists in many forms including Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christianity.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic faith based on belief in one God (Allah) and the prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), whom Muslims believe received divine revelation recorded in the Qur’an. Islamic life is guided by five principal acts of worship: declaration of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan, charitable giving and pilgrimage to Mecca when possible. Islam emphasises justice, compassion, social responsibility and community wellbeing. Muslim communities in the United Kingdom reflect cultural and theological diversity across the world.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest living religious traditions and is characterised by a wide diversity of beliefs and practices rather than a single founder. Core philosophical concepts include dharma (ethical duty), karma (moral consequence) and moksha (spiritual liberation). Hindu spiritual life may include temple worship, meditation, philosophical study and celebration of festivals such as Diwali and Holi.
Sikhism
Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region during the fifteenth century through the teachings of Guru Nanak and the succession of Sikh Gurus. The faith teaches belief in one God and the equality of all people. Sikh philosophy emphasises honest living, selfless service (seva) and opposition to discrimination. Community service is symbolised by the langar tradition, where free communal meals are shared with people of all backgrounds.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition based on the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhism explores the nature of human suffering and the path toward inner peace through ethical conduct, mindfulness and compassion. Major Buddhist traditions include Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana schools.
Judaism
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest continuous monotheistic traditions. Jewish life is guided by the Torah and a long intellectual tradition of ethical, legal and philosophical interpretation. Community learning, family life and justice are central themes. Worship takes place in synagogues, and practices such as Sabbath observance and life-cycle rituals remain important in Jewish culture.
Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith is a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century by Bahá’u’lláh. It teaches that there is one God and that all major religions come from the same divine source, each revealing guidance suited to its time. Central to Baha’i belief is the unity of humanity and the importance of building a just and peaceful global society. Community life emphasises prayer, reflection, education and service, encouraging individuals and communities to work together to promote equality, cooperation and the wellbeing of all people.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in ancient Persia. It teaches devotion to Ahura Mazda, the supreme creator, and emphasises the moral responsibility of every individual to choose good over evil. Central principles include “good thoughts, good words and good deeds.” Fire is used symbolically in places of worship to represent light and truth. Zoroastrian communities have contributed historically to philosophy, ethics and cultural traditions across many regions.
Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches a path of non-violence, self-discipline and spiritual purification. Its teachings were articulated by a series of spiritual teachers known as Tirthankaras, the last of whom was Mahavira in the 6th century BCE. Jain philosophy emphasises ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings, truthfulness, non-possessiveness and respect for life. Spiritual practice includes meditation, ethical living and compassion for humans, animals and the natural world. Jain communities are widely known for their commitment to peaceful living and service.
Other Faith and Spiritual Traditions
The United Kingdom is also home to smaller religious and spiritual traditions.
Although smaller in number, these communities contribute to the cultural and ethical diversity of modern British society.
People With No Religious Affiliation
A significant proportion of the population identifies with no religion, including humanist, secular or non-religious worldviews.
This group represents the diversity of belief and identity present in contemporary society.
The Golden Rule and Shared Ethical Values
The Golden Rule is a moral principle found in many of the world’s religious and philosophical traditions, expressing the idea that people should treat others as they themselves would wish to be treated.
It appears in different forms within Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and other ethical teachings, reflecting a shared commitment to compassion, justice and human dignity.
Recognising shared ethical values helps promote understanding across communities and supports respectful civic relationships.
A Shared Civic Future
Faith and belief traditions are part of humanity’s long search for meaning, moral understanding and community life.
Learning about different faiths is not about erasing difference but about cultivating the wisdom to live respectfully alongside one another.
The Luton Council of Faiths remains committed to supporting a community where people of all beliefs can participate confidently in shared civic life, contributing to a future built on understanding, friendship and mutual respect.
Where people are able to understand one another across difference, communities are more likely to flourish in dignity, peace and shared humanity.