This chapter considers who did and did not go to church (and why), at a time when the UK was at war at the beginning of the century. It notes various steps to bridge the gap between the classes — establishing ‘Settlements’ in big cities. It notes the problems of poverty but also the threat posed to the ‘Victorian Sunday’ by increased ‘leisure’. It examines the social gospel and different views on the nature and role of the state (for example, in relation to education). It observes the extent to which the male-dominated churches reacted to female militancy (Suffragettes). It notes the...

This chapter considers who did and did not go to church (and why), at a time when the UK was at war at the beginning of the century. It notes various steps to bridge the gap between the classes — establishing ‘Settlements’ in big cities. It notes the problems of poverty but also the threat posed to the ‘Victorian Sunday’ by increased ‘leisure’. It examines the social gospel and different views on the nature and role of the state (for example, in relation to education). It observes the extent to which the male-dominated churches reacted to female militancy (Suffragettes). It notes the continuing struggles between the churches (and also within them) as well as interest in ‘unity’. It was time, some thought, to construct a new theology. The UK was itself in a political crisis which, in Ireland, had a religious dimension.