By Obianuju Mbah, Christian Today.
A new poll has revealed widespread fears that drifting further from Britain’s Christian heritage could negatively affect future generations.
Just over half of Brits (52%) share this concern, according to a poll of 2,095 adults conducted by research organisation Whitestone Insight on behalf of Anglo-Catholic study centre Pusey House, Oxford, the Danube Institute of Budapest, and the International Reagan-Thatcher Society.
By contrast, only 19% of respondents felt that such a shift would positively affect society.
A majority of respondents still see a beneficial role for Christianity in public life, with over half (58%) saying that it has something constructive to contribute to the way Britain is governed, either in moral guidance or in practical influence.
The poll coincides with a conference in Oxford this week bringing together Christian politicians, theologians and public commentators to discuss the theme “Christian Revival: Our Post-Liberal Hope.”
Andrew Hawkins, chief executive of Whitestone Insight, said the findings highlight a broader debate about the moral foundations of British society.
“As the debate about Britain’s future intensifies, the poll points to a central challenge for politics, churches, and civic institutions alike,” he said. “Can moral renewal be rebuilt through shared responsibility and lived example – or will moral anxiety continue to be channelled into polarisation and identity politics?”
The survey suggests many people believe Britain is experiencing a loss of shared moral understanding, with 60% agreeing that the country has lost a clear collective sense of right and wrong, while just 11% are of the opinion that Britain today has clear widely held values and resilient institutions.