Britain is still a Christian country, say most Brits

The Church of England (Photo: Facebook/Church of England)

Most Brits, including those with no faith, still regard the UK as a Christian country, a YouGov poll has found.

Over half (56%) of the 2,169 people surveyed said the UK was a Christian country, a proportion that rose to over two thirds (69%) among Christians.

Even a significant share of non-Christians (47%) and the non-religious (49%) said the same. 

However, young people - those aged 16 to 24 - were split on whether the UK was a Christian country, with 41% saying it was and 39% saying it wasn't. 

Viewing the UK as a Christian rose with age, with just over half (53%) of 25- to 39-year-olds saying it was, and 61% of those aged 60 and above believing the same. 

The study also found universal support for Christmas and Easter remaining as public holidays, regardless of how many Brits actually celebrate them. 

Even among non-Christians, eight in ten supported Christmas Day as a public holiday and nearly three quarters (74%) Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 

And there was broad support for British schools putting on Nativity plays during the Christmas period, with 45% of the public saying they "strongly approve" and a third saying they "somewhat" approve.  Only 12% were against schools organising Nativity plays.

When it comes to teaching in schools though, only a third of Britons felt that children should be taught more about Christian festivals than those of other religions. Over half (53%) said they should be taught equally about the festivals of Christianity and other religions. 

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.