New Report Examines Links Between Immigration Concerns and British Christian Identity

A new report from the think tank Theos, titled "Beyond 'Christian nationalism': Measuring attitudes to Christianity and Britishness today," explores how anxieties regarding immigration and cultural shifts influence perceptions of national identity. Based on a survey of 1,765 UK adults conducted in April 2026, the study identifies five distinct groups with varying views on the intersection of faith and Britishness.

The research highlights a segment labeled "Identity Integrationists," representing 11% of the sample, who view Christianity as essential to British identity. This group expressed the highest levels of concern regarding immigration, with 83% citing anxiety over current levels and 85% expressing worry about asylum seekers. Additionally, 91% of this group believe the nation is experiencing moral decay, and 70% report feeling like strangers in their own country.

Authors Dr. Nick Spencer and Dr. Yinxuan Huang note that these concerns are not limited to those identifying as Christian nationalists, as some individuals who reject that label also express unease about cultural change. The report suggests that these findings reflect a broader sense of national decline and recommends further dialogue to better understand the roots of these social anxieties.