General Public Research – Religion in Public Life

Survey of the British public on the place of religion in public life.

Half of British adults (47%) say it is important that UK politicians and policy-makers have a good understanding of religion in the country. This rises to 52% amongst young adults aged 18-24 years old.

Half of British adults (47%) are of the view that understanding religion is important to understanding the world, regardless of whether you are a religious person. This view is most shared amongst younger adults, with 54% of 18-24 years old saying it most reflects their thoughts.

More than two in five British adults (44%) say that understanding religion is important in tackling terrorism around the world. This rises to 50% amongst 18-24 years old.

Young adults, especially those aged 18-24 years old, are less likely than their counterparts to say that religion(s) generally cause war and violence (33% vs 44% or more for older adults) and that religion(s) do more harm than good (35% vs 41% or for older adults).

The British public is split as to whether they feel they have a good understanding of religion in the UK, with two in five British adults (41%) saying they do not feel that they have a good understanding of religion in the UK while a similar proportion (43%) say they do.

Date Published: 12/01/17

Categories: Faith | GB | Public and communities | Social

Client: N/A

Methodology

ComRes interviewed 2,048 British adults online between the 4^th and 5^th January 2017. Data were weighted by age, gender, region and socio-economic grade to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+.