Reform UK has unveiled a strategy to “restore Britain’s Christian heritage,” which includes creating a patriotic curriculum rooted in Christianity and designating all churches as listed buildings. This proposal follows a 2021 Census showing that non-religious individuals outnumber Christians under 67, amid ongoing declines in church attendance. Humanists UK has expressed concern over the rise of Christian Nationalism in UK politics, highlighting that the values and identity of the nation should reflect its pluralistic society rather than a singular religious perspective.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, emphasized that while Christianity has played a role in British heritage, other influences are equally significant. He condemned Christian Nationalism as divisive and noted that a recent British Social Attitudes Survey underscores the ongoing decline in church attendance, including among younger generations.
Humanists UK has been vocal about incidents reflecting this rise, such as Christian preachers opposing secular views at far-right rallies and homophobic protests by a group calling itself the “King’s Army.” Research reveals a strong liberal consensus in the UK regarding social issues, contrasting sharply with the insurgence of Christian Nationalist politics, seen as an export from the US.
Recent reports also pointed to significant financial investments by American organizations in the UK, aiming to spread similar conservative agendas as those previously successful in the US. Overall, the article highlights growing concerns regarding the influence of Christian Nationalism and its implications for secularism and social rights in the UK.
