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According to a study titled “Confident Faith, Contested Culture,” 884 respondents in the U.K. gave their opinion on practicing their faith without restriction (Evangelical Alliance). While most say they can presently and largely practice their beliefs without legal barriers, many are concerned that a cultural shift is coming.
In addition to the 884 U.K. Evangelical Christians surveyed, an additional 1,500 respondents were polled. While Christians do continue to read their Bible, pray, and openly discuss or share their faith, the report revealed that an underlying tension is bubbling to the surface:
“This tension — between objective freedoms and subjective experience — sits at the heart of this report,” the document notes.
Over 88% of Evangelicals believe they can openly practice their faith in the U.K.; however, 48% report that publicly expressing those beliefs has become more challenging in the last five years. The culprit? Increasing sensitivity around social issues like sexuality, polarization, and social media.
The study also adds that nearly 50% believe “there are greater difficulties for Christians in visible roles such as politics, education and media, where scrutiny of beliefs — particularly around marriage and sexuality — can be intense.” 16% say opportunities are increasing to share their faith, but this visibility also increases vulnerability.