Data collection and publication - religion/belief: guidance

Recommended question

The Scottish Government recommends the following question on religion is used in order to harmonise with other data sources in Scotland:

Question: What religion, religious denomination or body do you belong to?

Answer:

• 1. None
• 2. Church of Scotland
• 3. Roman Catholic
• 4. Other Christian, please write in
• 5. Muslim, write in denomination or school
• 6. Hindu
• 7. Buddhist
• 8. Sikh
• 9. Jewish
• 10. Pagan
• 11. Another religion or body, please write in
• 12. Refusal (spontaneous only)
• 13. Prefer not to say (non-interviewer led questionnaires only)

The wording of the question is the same as that used in the 2022^[6], 2011^[7] and 2001^[8] Censuses, in which this question is voluntary.

Example question on religious practice

If further information on religious practice is required a follow on question about practice can be used, such as:

Question: Do you consider that you are actively practising your religion?

Answer:

• 1. Yes
• 2. No
• 3. Refusal (spontaneous only)
• 4. Prefer not to say (non-interviewer led questionnaires only)