Changes

== Religion ==

== Religion ==

In 1533 AD King [[Henry VIII]] formed the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Church of England]] after the pope refused to annul the marriage between the King and Catherine of Aragon. Henry established himself as the head of the church and made it the state religion of England. This situation continues to this day, although in much modified form. The Queen is still the nominal head of the church, although purely as a figurehead. Decisions technically taken by the Queen are in fact done only on the advice of her ministers, who in matters of the church invariably act on the advice of the church leaders. Until recently certain bishops of the Church of England were automatically given seats in the House of Lords. The Church of England is closely involved with the ceremonial associated with England, for example at coronations or royal weddings.  

In 1533 AD King [[Henry VIII]] formed the [[Church of England]] after the pope refused to annul the marriage between the King and Catherine of Aragon, while originally the CoE followed a policy of Catholic without the Pope his successors Edward and Elizabeth moved the church in a far more [[Protestantism|Protestant]] direction. Henry established himself as the head of the church and made it the state religion of England. This situation continues to this day, although in much modified form. The Queen is still the nominal head of the church, although purely as a figurehead. Decisions technically taken by the Queen are in fact done only on the advice of her ministers, who in matters of the church invariably act on the advice of the church leaders. Until recently certain bishops of the Church of England were automatically given seats in the House of Lords. The Church of England is closely involved with the ceremonial associated with England, for example at coronations or royal weddings.  

Since the [[Reformation]] the country has remained primarily Anglican with the notable exception of the Catholic reign of [[Mary I]]. More recently, the number of [[Roman Catholics]] is poised to overtake the number of [[Anglicans]] in the country, a trend that is likely to continue with an influx of migrants from Catholic countries such as [[Ireland]] and recent [[EU]] accession countries such as [[Poland]][http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article1386939.ece]. As with the UK as a whole, the significant minority religions include [[Hinduism]], [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]].

Since the [[Reformation]] the country has remained primarily Anglican with the notable exception of the Catholic reign of [[Mary I]]. More recently, the number of [[Roman Catholics]] is poised to overtake the number of [[Anglicans]] in the country, a trend that is likely to continue with an influx of migrants from Catholic countries such as [[Ireland]] and recent [[EU]] accession countries such as [[Poland]][http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article1386939.ece]. As with the UK as a whole, the significant minority religions include [[Hinduism]], [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]].