A Guide to the Traditions
Christian Denominations in the UK
The Christian faith is expressed through many traditions. Explore the history, beliefs and worship of each — and find churches near you to visit.
Quick answer
Church Near Me covers 15 Christian traditions in the UK — Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and more — across 379 listed churches. Each tradition page explains its history, beliefs and worship, and links to its churches near you.
Catholic
The world's largest Christian body, centred on the Mass and communion with the Pope.
Anglican
The Church of England and its sister churches across the UK and Ireland, holding together Catholic and Reformed traditions.
Church of England (Anglican)
The established church in England, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Holds together Catholic and Reformed traditions in a uniquely English form of Christianity.
Explore the traditionChurch in Wales
The Anglican province of Wales — disestablished from the Church of England in 1920 and now an independent member church of the Anglican Communion.
Explore the traditionChurch of Ireland
The Anglican church of the island of Ireland, organised across Northern Ireland and the Republic, with roots reaching back to early Celtic Christianity.
Explore the traditionScottish Episcopal Church
The Anglican church in Scotland — a small but historic province of the Anglican Communion with its own bishops, liturgy and Scottish identity.
Explore the traditionOrthodox
One of the oldest Christian traditions, rich in ancient liturgy, icons and chant.
Protestant & Reformed
The Reformation churches — Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and more — centred on Scripture and personal faith.
Church of Scotland
The national Presbyterian church of Scotland (the Kirk). Reformed in tradition, governed by elders rather than bishops.
Explore the traditionMethodist
A Protestant tradition arising from the 18th-century revival led by John and Charles Wesley, marked by warm-hearted faith, social action and hymn singing.
Explore the traditionBaptist
Protestant churches that practise believer's baptism by full immersion and emphasise the autonomy of the local congregation.
Explore the traditionUnited Reformed Church
A union of Congregational, Presbyterian and (later) Churches of Christ traditions in England, Scotland and Wales, formed in 1972.
Explore the traditionLutheran Church
The historic Reformation church founded on the teaching of Martin Luther, present in the UK through several national congregations and the Lutheran Council of Great Britain.
Explore the traditionThe Salvation Army
A Christian church and worldwide charitable movement founded in London's East End in 1865, known for its uniformed members, brass bands and tireless service to those in need.
Explore the traditionPentecostal
The fastest-growing movement worldwide, emphasising the Holy Spirit and lively, contemporary worship.
Independent & Evangelical
Bible-centred congregations, often contemporary in style and free of any central hierarchy.
Other Traditions
Including the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), with their distinctive silent worship.
Common Questions
About Christian denominations in the UK.
What are the main Christian denominations in the UK?
The two largest are the Church of England (Anglican) and the Roman Catholic Church, followed by Presbyterian churches such as the Church of Scotland, plus Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, United Reformed, Orthodox and many independent and evangelical congregations.
What is the difference between Catholic and Protestant churches?
Roman Catholics recognise the authority of the Pope and emphasise the sacraments and church tradition. Protestant churches — including Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal — emphasise the authority of the Bible and salvation by faith, and are not governed by Rome.
What denomination is the Church of England?
The Church of England is Anglican. It is the established church in England and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, holding together both Catholic and Reformed traditions.
Which Christian denomination is the largest in the UK?
By membership and active attendance the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England are the two largest, while Pentecostal and independent evangelical churches are among the fastest-growing.
How do I choose a church denomination?
Think about the style of worship you prefer (formal or informal), a church's core beliefs, its community and its location. Visiting a few local churches is the best way to find one that fits — our guides and directory help you compare traditions and find services near you.