The non-religious population in Jersey has continued to grow, with nearly half the island (49%) regarding themselves as not having a religion, the latest Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey has revealed.
The number of non-religious people on the island continues to grow as the 2018 survey found 47% of the island had no religion. Meanwhile, the religious population on the island has dropped from 47% to 39% in the same period. This change was especially prevalent among young people with only 28% of 16-34 year olds saying they had a religion.
Channel Island Humanists has welcomed the survey and said it is vitally important the Government of Jersey ensure public policy reflects the changing nature of Jersey and its citizens.
States of Jersey Assembly Deputy Louise Doublet, who is also on the committee of Channel Islands Humanists said:
‘The increasing number of non-religious people in Jersey, especially amongst the younger generation, demonstrates a clear need for policy and legislation that is inclusive of all, regardless of religion or belief.
‘Although there has been progress in Jersey that I am proud of, such as the legal recognition of humanist marriages on the island and the passing of an opt-out organ donation law, there is still much work to do, including progressing with work to introduce assisted dying legislation.
‘We will continue campaigning to ensure that public settings and services are inclusive to all, including the non-religious, and these most recent statistics only strengthen that case.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 3675 0959.
Read about Jersey’s opt-out organ donation law.
Read more about humanist marriages in Jersey.
Channel Islands Humanists is part of Humanists UK, the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.