Study reveals that more than half of British Christians experience hostility

A recent study by Voice for Justice UK, surveying over 1,500 Christians, reveals that more than half of the respondents have encountered hostility and ridicule when sharing their beliefs.
The report “The Costs of Keeping the Faith” is based on both qualitative and quantitative research. 1,562 Christians of various denominations and age groups completed detailed questionnaires that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
The study addressed multiple aspects of discrimination against Christians. Despite existing legal frameworks for religious freedom, many Christians reported feeling unable to freely express their beliefs, leading to self-censorship. A young woman noted, “I have never been disadvantaged, but this is because I self-censor at work. I know some of my beliefs are not welcome, so I keep them to myself to avoid potential resignation.” Similarly, a housewife mentioned, “I know people whose employers have made discussing faith a fireable offence.”
Only 36% of younger respondents felt free to express their views at work. Additionally, 56% reported experiencing hostility and ridicule, while 18% faced discrimination, including during job interviews or potential promotions. One man shared, “Any mention of faith in a CV precludes one from an interview. My yearly assessment was lowered because I spoke of Christ.” Two women also recounted being ridiculed and bullied at work due to their faith.
Discrimination also manifested indirectly, such as being required to work on Sundays. A retired woman reported being “turned down for employment for not wanting to work on Sundays, despite the job not being an essential public service.” Another woman said she was “forced to work Sundays when others in the same position were not.”
In the healthcare sector, nurses were suspended for praying with patients, even though 40% of patients requested it. One respondent mentioned being explicitly “told not to pray for the health of people in my care.”
Overall, conservative social convictions led to workplace discrimination against Christians, resulting in self-censorship and a broader social divide. Discrimination extended beyond work and school into other areas of social life. One interviewee stated, “I lost many of my friends after I became a Christian.” Many Christians felt inadequately protected.
Schools were particularly hostile, prompting parents to advise their children to stay quiet about their faith to avoid bullying. A female student said, “Friends think it’s acceptable to make fun of Christianity,” noting that other forms of discrimination are immediately condemned. Indeed, 78% of respondents believed that religious discrimination was not taken as seriously as other forms of discrimination.
Additionally, respondents criticized the media for perpetuating negative stereotypes of Christians, noting that Christians seemed to be singled out more frequently than other religious groups.
Source: intoleranceagainstchristians.eu