UK Christians Debate Use of ‘Christian Nationalism’ Term Amid Political and Cultural Discourse

Luke Bretherton, regius professor of moral and pastoral theology at the University of Oxford, advised against using the term “Christian nationalism” when discussing the Church of England. He argued the term lacks theological significance and functions ideologically rather than theologically, potentially misinforming and misshaping the faithful. His perspective was shaped by his experience in the United States, where the term has been used both to stigmatize and to claim ideological pride.

In the UK, the term has gained traction in media and political discourse. Politicians have spoken about defending the country’s Christian heritage, and far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, has led anti-immigration rallies where crosses and shouts of “Christ is King” are common. Yaxley-Lennon claimed to have converted to Christianity while in prison in 2025.

Nick Spencer, senior fellow at the British think tank Theos, agrees with Bretherton that the term is unhelpful. Spencer notes that the term has come to encompass “pretty much anything … opposed to a liberal secular worldview.” He warns against importing a label developed in the United States, as some criteria used to measure Christian nationalism there do not apply in the UK.

The Church of England, established by law, has bishops who sit in the House of Lords as legislators. State-run schools must offer a collective act of worship that is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character” every day. Despite these legal and institutional realities, Spencer acknowledges that the term is in use and suggests starting with it, while qualifying and clarifying its meaning.

A recent Theos report surveyed 1,765 UK adults on their attitudes toward Christianity and Britishness. The survey found that 8 percent of respondents strongly agreed with the statement “You need to be Christian to be truly British,” while 9 percent slightly agreed. This highlights the complex relationship between faith and national identity in the UK.

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