Research by the thinktank Theos has identified five distinct groups within the UK based on their attitudes toward Christianity and national identity. The group most closely aligned with Christian nationalism, labeled “identity integrationists,” comprised 11% of survey respondents and represented the smallest segment. While 81% of this group identified as Christian, only 13% attended church weekly—slightly above the 11% population average—and just under one-third prayed weekly.
This group expressed strong opposition to immigration and Islam. Only 19% agreed that Christian values require welcoming and supporting asylum seekers, and just 30% supported equal treatment of religions in public life. In contrast, another group termed “belief integrationists” made up 13% of respondents and demonstrated higher levels of religious practice and greater openness to immigration and religious diversity. Among this group, 31% attended church weekly, 46% prayed weekly, and 62% expressed interest in the Bible. Nearly half agreed Christian values require supporting asylum seekers, while 63% supported equal treatment of religions.
The research suggests that Christian nationalism in Britain reflects the invocation of Christianity as a marker of national identity amid concerns about immigration and cultural change, rather than a revival of practicing Christianity. The findings challenge associations between Christian nationalism’s growing visibility—evidenced by crosses carried at rallies and “Christ is King” chants at protests—and genuine Christian revival.
Church leaders and theologians responding to the findings emphasized distinctions between cultural Christianity and lived faith practice. Nick Spencer, a report author, highlighted differences in religious observance and ethnic composition between the groups. Church of England bishop Arun Arora noted that while nationalists display Christian symbols at marches, there is less interest in the self-denial and discipleship central to Christian teachings. Theologian Helen Paynter stressed that Christianity has historically been multinational and multiethnic, and cannot be rightfully equated with any single nation or ethnicity.
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