Eight police officers serving with Scotland's largest force listed their official religion as Jedi in voluntary diversity forms, it has emerged. Strathclyde Police said the officers and two of its civilian staff claimed to follow the faith, which features in the Star Wars movies.
It was confirmed prior to the census that citizens were not liable for a fine in relation to question 10 (on religion). In England and Wales 390,000 people (0.7%) stated their religion as Jedi on their 2001 Census forms, surpassing Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism, and making it the fourth largest reported religion in the country. The highest percentages of such responses were typically in cities with high student populations. In the 2001 Census 2.6% of the population of Brighton claimed to be Jedi. The percentages of religious affiliations were:
* Christian: 72.0% * No religion: 14.8% * Chose not to respond: 7.7% * Muslim: 3.1% * Hindu: 1.1% * Jedi: 0.7%
The UK Government's response to a petition for the Prime Minister to recognise Jedi Knights as a religion on par with Christianity, Islam and other beliefs.
“The Government has no overarching role in regulating or recognising personal belief or faith. The UK has a long held commitment to freedom of worship and belief, and people are free to form religions and free to follow their own practices and beliefs provided they remain within the law. May the Force be with you.”
Not long from now, in our very own galaxy, the “Star Wars Spectacular” will bring an intergalactic spirit — and 200 storm troopers — to the 118th annual Tournament of Roses parade. Grand Marshal George Lucas will be accompanied by two “Star Wars”-themed floats and an army of costumed storm troopers. Lucas, 62, invited the evil soldiers (costumed superfans from all over the world) to march with him during the New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena, US.
In his maiden speech to the House of Commons, the Hon. Member for Copeland, Jamie Reed MP, announced that he is a Jedi:
“I crave the indulgence of the House in interrupting such an important and enjoyable debate to deliver my maiden speech. Furthermore, as the first Jedi Member of this place, I look forward to the protection under the law that will be provided to me by the Bill. I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Malik) for his convincing and searing testimony in support of the proposed legislation. It will be a privilege to serve alongside him.”