Theos Think Tank Releases 135-Page Report on Christian Nationalism and British Identity

The Christian think tank Theos has released a 135-page report titled "Beyond 'Christian nationalism': Measuring attitudes to Christianity and Britishness today," offering one of the most detailed examinations to date of how British people connect faith and national identity.

The report draws on original survey data and qualitative research to map public attitudes across a range of positions, from those who see Christianity as central to British culture to those who view religion as entirely separate from national life. Researchers found that most Britons hold views that do not fit neatly into either a "Christian nationalist" or a secular framework.

Theos researchers argue that the term "Christian nationalism" has become a contested label in British public discourse, often applied loosely to describe a wide range of views about the role of Christianity in public life. The report calls for more precise language when discussing the intersection of faith and national identity.

The study also examines generational differences in how Britons relate to Christianity and national belonging. Younger respondents were less likely to describe Britain as a Christian country but were not uniformly hostile to the presence of faith in public institutions.

The report comes at a time of renewed debate in the UK about the role of the Church of England in national life, the place of religious education in schools, and the relationship between faith communities and the state.

Theos director Nick Spencer said the report aims to move the conversation beyond political slogans and toward a more accurate understanding of what British people actually believe about Christianity and national identity. The full report is available on the Theos website.