Claims of a British 'Religious Right' influencing public policy in the UK are misleading, according to a new report from think tank Theos.
The research finds the American label inaccurate and calls for caution in using this language in a British context. "Is There a 'Religious Right' Emerging in Britain?" examines demographic, social and political data and takes a close look at some of the groups accused of being part of a US-style Religious Right.
It concludes that for the foreseeable future it's unlikely there will be because believers tend to be economically left-of-centre and there are no signs of them favouring one political party for their agenda. It also states the use of the term "US style Religious Right" makes it more difficult to have a reasoned and thoughtful public conversation about some of our biggest questions. One of the report's authors Nick Spencer told Premier's Des Busteed on the News Hour Christian groups do have influence but they're not biased to one particular party.
The report analyses the characteristics of the Religious Right in America and the path it has taken over the past 40 years.
It shows that the size and political interest of Christians in the UK is considerably different to the US. Not only is it a far smaller community, but it also has more diverse political interests. UK Christians are also more open to different viewpoints on the issue of creation and evolution than their US counterparts. The report examines UK Christian pressure groups, including the Christian Institute, Christian Concern, the Evangelical Alliance, and the Conservative Christian Fellowship. The EA's Parliamentary Officer Daniel Webster tells Premier it's right Christian organisations have political influence as long as they use it in the right way.
The report also warns journalists and commentators about using the term 'Religious Right' when describing certain Christian groups in the UK.
It suggests a lack of religious specialists in British media may go some way to explaining 'inaccurate' usage of the term.