A report by the thinktank Theos indicates that Christian nationalism in Britain is primarily driven by individuals who rarely attend church and are more focused on preserving the country’s Christian heritage. The study identified five distinct groups based on their attitudes toward Christianity and British identity. The group most aligned with Christian nationalism, referred to as "identity integrationists," constituted 11% of respondents. While 81% of this group identified as Christian, only 13% attended church weekly, slightly above the 11% average for the entire surveyed population. Less than a third (31%) prayed weekly, and 47% showed interest in the Bible. This group displayed strong opposition to immigration and Islam, with only 19% agreeing that Christian values necessitate welcoming asylum seekers, and 30% supporting equal treatment of religions in public life.
In contrast, another group, labeled "belief integrationists," comprised 13% of respondents and exhibited higher levels of religious observance. Among this group, 31% attended church weekly, 46% prayed weekly, and 62% expressed interest in the Bible. Nearly half (48%) agreed that Christian values require welcoming asylum seekers, and 63% supported the equal treatment of religions in public life. Despite having the highest proportion of practicing Christians, only 18% of belief integrationists considered defending Britain’s Christian culture important, compared to 90% of the identity integrationists.
The report challenges the perception that the increased visibility of Christian symbols at events, such as the Unite the Kingdom rallies, signifies a revival of Christianity. Instead, the findings suggest that Christianity is increasingly being used as a symbol of British identity amidst concerns about immigration and cultural change. The research was based on a survey of 1,765 adults conducted in April 2026.
More than half of those surveyed (55%) expressed dissatisfaction if their local church were to close and become a mosque, with 37% indicating they would be very unhappy. Additionally, 37% agreed with the conspiracy theory that the white population of Europe is being deliberately replaced by migrants from Muslim countries, known as the 'great replacement' theory.
Nick Spencer, a senior fellow at Theos and one of the report’s authors, noted that the differing attitudes towards asylum seekers between the two groups might reflect their religious practices and ethnic diversity. The more religious group was more ethnically diverse, with 20% identifying as non-white, while the identity integrationists were less diverse.
Spencer emphasized the distinction between the concept of Christianity and its practice. Arun Arora, the Church of England bishop of Kirkstall, highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between cultural Christianity and practicing faith. He noted that nationalists may display Christian symbols but often lack a commitment to the teachings of Jesus.
The Rev Dr Helen Paynter, a theologian studying the far right's use of Christianity, remarked that the findings underscore the church's responsibility to welcome individuals across the political spectrum.