Only refer to people’s religion, faith or belief if it is relevant to the context in which you are writing.
People should not feel obligated to disclose, talk about or explain their religion, faith or belief.
Always avoid and seek to challenge offensive terminology and discrimination.
The terms ‘religion’, ‘faith’ and ‘belief’ can mean different things to different people, and people may relate to one but not the others.
For instance, someone may hold beliefs or faith without belonging to a particular religion.
Some people may also use the term ‘spirituality’.
If you are writing about or to a particular person, use the language with which they identify themselves. If you’re unsure, ask them what they would prefer.
Many religious people do not practise all aspects of a religion, or may interpret or practise certain aspects differently to others.
For example, not all Christians will attend church regularly.
Religion can overlap with ethnicity, but do not assume someone’s religion from their ethnicity or vice versa.
For example, not all people who identify as ethnically Jewish practise the religion of Judaism.
Do not assume someone’s religion from their name, nationality or appearance.
For example, not everyone from a Muslim-majority country will practise Islam.
Remember that there are often many different groups, sects or denominations within wider religions, who may practise differently.
For example, Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians may hold very different beliefs and practise their religion in different ways.
There are many religions that are minorities in the UK, but minority religions will differ across different countries.
Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism are all classified as minority religions in the UK by the Office for National Statistics, but may be majority religions in other countries.
Other minority religions in the UK include Jainism, Neopaganism and the BaháΚΌí Faith.
Remember that ‘belief’ also includes humanism, atheism and other non-religious beliefs and philosophies. Do not exclude non-religious people from messages or conversations about belief.
Specific terminology
Capitalise the names of all religions and religious groups.
Religious figures, deities, holy texts, holidays and titles are also usually capitalised.
Consider how to write about religious people. For example, you could use ‘a person who practises Sikhism’ rather than ‘a Sikh’. Ask for a person’s preference if possible.
Use ‘Muslims’ or ‘people who practise Islam’ rather than ‘Islamic people’.
When writing about countries or regions with one majority religion, use language like ‘Muslim-majority country’ rather than ‘Muslim country’ or ‘Islamic country’.
Avoid Christian-centric attitudes.
For example, remember that not everyone celebrates Christian holidays, but they may celebrate other religious holidays.
Use ‘given name’ rather than ‘Christian name’.
When writing to general student or staff groups, bear in mind that many people in the University community do not drink alcohol. This can be for a range of reasons, which can include religion.
To find further information about behaviour that is not tolerated at the University, and report unacceptable behaviour, visit our pages for students or staff.
