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Churches and other places of worship in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, are the focus of this part of our guide.

The City of Lisburn is notable for its large number of churches, with 132 churches listed in the Lisburn City Council area.

As is true of much of the island of Ireland, Lisburn has been the site of significant religious dissent over the centuries.

The Huguenots, who arrived in Lisburn in the late 17th century, played a role in the development of Lisburn. They brought with them linen manufacturing skills, which helped develop an early economy. However, their presence contributed to religious dissent, as they were part of the Protestant minority in a predominantly Catholic region.

Presbyterianism was another significant influence. Coming to Lisburn from Scotland, the Presbyterians comprised the bulk of the Dissenters in Ireland. They were excluded from full participation in public life by the Church of Ireland, the ruling elite, and this furthered political-religious dissent, further exacerbated by New Light Presbyterianism, which rejected subscription to theological formularies.

Religious dissent in Lisburn was not simply a matter of religious differences but had substantial political implications. The presence of various Protestant denominations, including Baptists, Quakers, and Methodists, in what had been essentially a Catholic community had political consequences. Historic religious dissent in Lisburn has driven the city's development, influencing its religious and political landscape. This legacy is still visible today, although the city's religious community is diverse today.

As of the 2021 census, the Protestants are dominant, with 58.3% of the population identifying as Protestant, with Catholics accounting for 27.2% of the population. The Protestant faction, however, is represented by several Protestant denominations. There is also a growing number of people who identify as having no religion, accounting for 17.4% of the population.

Early Christian influences can be traced to the 5th century, with Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, believed to have preached and baptised people in the area.

One of the oldest and most significant places of worship in Lisburn in Lisburn Cathedral. Consecrated in 1623, Lisburn Cathedral was initially known as Saint Thomas Church, although its first building was destroyed during the Rebellion of 1641. Quickly rebuilt, it was designated the cathedral church and episcopal seat of the United Diocese of Down and Connor, and renamed Christ Church Cathedral. It burned again in 1707 and was rebuilt using portions of the previous building. It is part of the Church of Ireland.

Another historic church in Lisburn is Saint Patrick's Church of Ireland, in the city centre. Constructed in 1784, the building replaced an earlier church on the same site, which dates back to the 13th century. It is part of the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor.

The First Lisburn Presbyterian Church and Railway Street Presbyterian Church are notable for their historical and architectural significance.

The Seymour Street Methodist Church is part of the Lagan Valley and South Down Circuit within the Methodist Church of Ireland.

These are just a few. Lisburn is home to a wide range of religious denominations, including Baptist, Catholic, Church of Ireland, Congregational, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and others. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Jehovah's Witnesses also have a presence in the city.

Websites representing ministries, places of worship, or other topics related to belief, faith, religion, or spirituality in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, are appropriate for this category, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.

 

 

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