National survey challenges perception that Christianity is in decline
11 April 2006
A survey carried out for Easter highlights the importance the majority of the UK public places on Christian values. The poll commissioned by the Evangelical Alliance and Premier Christian Radio found that 70 per cent of people believed Christian principles were still valid in today’s society, even by half of those who said they professed no faith.
Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance said, “I think Christian values are considered important to millions of people in the UK because the positive benefits to society and individual relationships are all too clear. Forgiveness, respect, hope and trust are rooted in the Christian faith and they are the antidote to a culture that is being railroaded into an individualistic, rights-orientated mentality.”
In other findings 74 per cent said children should be brought up with Christian values and 71 per cent agreed that Christianity should continue to be taught in Britain’s schools. The results make surprising reading given the recent controversy surrounding admission to church schools and the teaching of creationism. Peter Kerridge, Chief Executive of Premier Radio said, “These results come at an interesting time. When ASBOs and crime dominate the headlines, the results of this survey can offer a different viewpoint on our society. We need to stop seeing our children and our neighbours as troublemakers and start looking at how the Christian message can be a positive influence and relevant in everyday life.”
The independent survey was carried out by CommunicateResearch. It polled 2000 members of the general public and asked them a range of questions around the existence of God and the relevance of Christianity in both their lives and the lives of the communities in which they live.
Media Contact:
Liz Hogarth / Grace Benson Evangelical Alliance / Premier Radio 020 7207 2115 / 020 7316 4162 l.hogarth@eauk.org / grace.benson@premier.org.uk
Notes to editors: The Evangelical Alliance UK, formed in 1846, is an umbrella group representing over one million evangelical Christians in the UK and is made up of member churches, organisations and individuals. As part of a movement ‘uniting to change society’, the Alliance promotes unity and truth, acts as an evangelical voice to the state, society and the wider Church, and provides resources to help members and other evangelicals live out their faith in their communities.
CommunicateResearch surveyed 2077 GB adults online between 20 and 23 January 2006. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of the GB population. CommunicateResearch is a member of the British Polling Council (www.britishpollingcouncil.org ) and abides by its rules.
Premier Christian Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day available on three MW frequencies (1305, 1332, 1413 AM) in the capital, the station is also available nationally on Freeview (channel 96) Sky digital and NTL, and worldwide via its website www.premier.org.uk.
