Mal Fletcher comments on the cultural and religious identity of the UK

Some demographic experts expect this to rise as high as 80 percent by 2050.

Of course, we often associate the growth in religion with the rise of radical fundamentalism, particularly of the Islamist variety. Yet Christianity is also on an upward trajectory.

In 1900 there were around 10 million Christians in Africa. Today, after waves of missional work, there are 400 million.

Meanwhile, Latin America, long known to be at least nominally Christian, is seeing an explosion of fervent, evangelical Christianity. Those close to Pope Francis are, it seems, keen to redress the balance of growth among the new 'up start' faith groups in comparison to the older Catholic Church.

Closer to home, if the Church of England continues on the social renewal path now being set by Archbishop Welby, it may overcome many of its recent problems to become a leading social voice once again.

Already, it is making quite decisive moves in that direction by, for example, taking on the might of quick-fix money-lenders.

The same renewal of social purpose and engagement is arguably underway inside the Catholic Church. The new Pope has impressed many inside and outside of his church with his commitment to reclaiming the church's role as advocate for the poor.

The vast majority of Brits, of course, still fall outside the umbrella of either of these faith groups - or any other. However, whilst many of us are less institutionally religious than our forebears, we arguably remain thankful for the values that our religious heritage has given us.

Even Richard Dawkins has claimed to be a 'cultural Christian', who is thankful for at least some of the cultural trimmings of Christianity. I think a lot of other people share that view.

This is perhaps reflected in the fact that so many parents in Britain work hard to place their children into church schools.

Promotion of Ethics and Mores

The issue of protecting and promoting cultural mores - perhaps especially among the young - is an important one in the debate about the Defender of the Faith idea.

As I noted recently on this site, a study among head teachers of English state schools showed that one third felt that schools are failing to develop moral standards in their students.

Meanwhile 40 percent believe that schools are not developing the 'whole child'. They cite the decline in religious assemblies and sporting activities as specific contributors to this problem.