There is a growing intolerance.
A recent study revealed that over half of Christians in the United Kingdom report experiencing hostility and ridicule due to their faith. The report, titled “The Costs of Keeping the Faith,” was conducted by Voice for Justice UK (VfJUK) and included responses from more than 1,500 Christians of various denominations and age groups. It found that 56% of participants had faced negative reactions when sharing their beliefs, with this figure rising to 61% among those under 35.
The study’s executive summary highlighted instances of bullying, with many Christians feeling unable to freely express their views at work. Younger Christians reported more negative experiences compared to older generations, suggesting an increase in intolerance over time.
Although legal protections for free speech theoretically exist in the U.K., the study argued that the country displays some of the highest levels of anti-Christian intolerance and discrimination in Europe. This was attributed to hate speech laws that have contributed to “harassment, self-censorship, direct and indirect discrimination.”
The report’s third chapter focused on discrimination, particularly noting the increased prevalence among younger Christians. Challenges in the workplace included being compelled to work on Sundays and feeling pressured to hide their Christian beliefs to avoid repercussions.
Special attention was given to the National Health Service (NHS) in the fourth chapter, which documented multiple instances of Christian employees being penalized. One notable case was Mary Onuoha, who resigned from a London hospital after being told she could not wear a cross necklace.
The study also examined anti-Christian sentiment in the U.K. education system, where Christian parents and teachers reported feeling marginalized. Additionally, the ninth chapter discussed the trend of mainstream churches adopting progressive ideologies, leading to a sense of discrimination among traditional believers and prompting many to leave these churches.
Researchers noted that many survey respondents who adhered to biblical standards did not align with any specific Christian denomination. The study identified LGBT ideology as a significant source of cultural hostility toward Christians, particularly younger ones who maintained traditional beliefs about sexuality, gender, and marriage.
The report indicated that a substantial portion of Christians upheld orthodox views on marriage, sex, and gender, contrary to the broader societal shift toward progressive ideologies. Interestingly, younger Christians often held more traditional views than their older counterparts, creating a clash with progressive movements.
The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians (OIDAC) in Europe corroborated the study’s findings, noting similar trends of rising anti-Christian sentiment in historically Christian countries. A 2022 report by OIDAC and other organizations highlighted that Christians in Europe and Latin America are increasingly self-censoring to avoid subtle forms of persecution.
Despite the absence of overt physical persecution, these Christians face pervasive pressures that create an environment of discomfort and self-censorship. The phenomenon was likened to “death by a thousand cuts,” where numerous small incidents collectively create significant distress.
A survey conducted in 2022 by five Christian organizations found that the number of Christians in the U.K. is declining. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicated that for the first time since the 1801 census, less than half of the U.K. population identifies as Christian, with only 46.2% describing themselves as such, down from 59.3% in 2011.