(ZENIT News / London. 20.06.2024).- A new Report of Voice for Justice UK, based on a survey of 1,562 people, highlights a worrying increase of discrimination and hostility against Christians in the United Kingdom. This Christian organization, focused on social justice, warns that people with orthodox Christian beliefs face growing contempt, especially among the younger generations.
The results of the report are conclusive:
-56% of those surveyed said they experienced hostility and ridicule when speaking of their faith, a figure that rises to 61% among the youngest.
-More than half of those under 35 perceive negative stereotypes about Christians in their work places.
-38% of Christians younger than 35 feel that their freedom of expression is restricted.
-78% of those surveyed believe that religious discrimination is not treated with the same seriousness as other forms of discrimination.
Lynda Rose, Directress of Voice for Justice UK, expressed her concern: “Christianity is the basis of our society and it supports tolerance and acceptance of diversity. However, our survey shows that Christians are increasingly subject to discrimination both in the work as well as the social realm. Rose pointed out that the society has adopted an actively hostile ideology towards Christianity, which contravenes the law.
The report also revealed that discrimination is more pronounced when Christians express disagreement with the beliefs of the LGBT movement. Moreover, many of those surveyed mentioned that Muslims receive more sensitive treatment, and any criticism of them is perceived almost as racism.
Voice for Justice UK undertook the survey after the United Kingdom was classified among the first five European countries with hate crimes against Christians. Hundreds of cases of censure, harassment and intimidation were documented, which often harm Christians’ prospects of employment or promotion. Many complained of being forced to adhere to ideologies contrary to their beliefs or to act against their conscience.
In face of this situation, Voice for Justice UK created an Investigation Commission on Discrimination against Christians, which over two years will compile evidence of persecution and harassment of Christians due to their faith.
In the Report’s Prologue, Nick Fletcher, Don Valley’s Conservative MP, stressed the importance of Christianity in British society. “Christianity is the corner stone of many values we take for granted. If it weren’t for Christianity, our tolerance, diversity and freedom of conscience would be something of the past.” Fletcher urged that the report be widely circulated among those working in human resources, education, employers, Church leaders and those responsible for public policies, warning about the growing attack on Christianity in the society.
Not only does the Report call for action, but it also seeks to protect Christianity and the fundamental values it has contributed to British society.
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