Christian Nationalism in Britain Driven by Non-Churchgoers, Report 2026

Christian nationalism in Britain is being driven largely by people who seldom attend church, according to new research from the thinktank Theos. The report identifies five distinct groups within the UK based on their attitudes toward Christianity and Britishness, revealing that the most nationalist-leaning group is also the least religiously observant.

Who Are the 'Identity Integrationists'?

The group whose views most closely resemble Christian nationalism, termed "identity integrationists" by researchers, makes up just 11% of respondents—the smallest of the five groups. Although 81% identify as Christian, only 13% attend church weekly, barely above the national average of 11%. Less than a third (31%) pray weekly, and 47% express an interest in the Bible.

This group is strongly hostile to immigration and Islam. Just 19% agree that Christian values require welcoming and supporting asylum seekers, while only 30% support equal treatment of religions in public life.

Contrasting Group: 'Belief Integrationists'

In contrast, another group with high Christian affiliation—the "belief integrationists"—is considerably more religiously observant and less hostile to immigration and religious diversity. They comprise 13% of respondents. Among them, 31% attend church weekly, 46% pray weekly, and 62% express an interest in the Bible. Almost half (48%) agree that Christian values require welcoming and supporting asylum seekers.

Key Takeaways

• Christian nationalism in Britain is largely driven by people who rarely attend church.
• The "identity integrationist" group is the smallest (11%) but most hostile to immigration and Islam.
• Only 13% of identity integrationists attend church weekly, compared to 31% of belief integrationists.
• Belief integrationists are more religiously observant and more supportive of religious diversity.

Comparing the Two Groups

Implications for British Society

The findings suggest that Christian nationalism in the UK is less about religious devotion and more about cultural identity. Identity integrationists appear motivated by a desire to defend Britain's Christian heritage rather than by active faith practice. This disconnect between belief and practice challenges assumptions about the relationship between religiosity and nationalist sentiment.

As debates over immigration and religious diversity continue, understanding these distinct groups will be crucial for policymakers and community leaders seeking to foster social cohesion.

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