The UK is now among the most liberal countries in the world and most accepting of homosexuality, a study has revealed. However, it suggests 34% of Britons still oppose same-sex practices - and The Christian Institute has encouraged Christians to resist being moulded by the world.
The study, carried out for the Policy Institute at King’s College, London, found that 66% of Britons thought homosexuality was ‘justifiable’ compared to just 12% in 1981. Only Sweden, Norway and Germany were more accepting of homosexual practices than the UK.
As well as age, religious belief was – unsurprisingly - also linked to lower levels of acceptance. Danny Webster, director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance said that though research shows views on sexuality have changed over time, ‘they are not unanimous’. He added: ‘It is vital that our society protects the space for people to hold different views, especially on deeply held issues, rather than shut the conversation down and silence those who disagree.
‘Holding orthodox views on sexual practice, believing that its rightful place is within a marriage between a man and woman, may not be the norm any more for society, but it is normal for historic Christian teaching. As Christians we need to be confident in what we believe and able to talk freely about it – otherwise the space to speak freely will shrink, and the confidence Christians have in their beliefs will diminish.’
Simon Calvert, a deputy director at The Christian Institute, said: ‘In every age, and wherever we live, Christians must recognise where the values of their society oppose the values of the Kingdom of God.
‘We must not allow ourselves to be moulded by the world. And we must make a persuasive case for the goodness of God’s moral law in the public square, not just in our churches. This is part of being salt and light in society and seeking to ‘do good to all’ as the Scripture commands. For example, many people would save themselves much pain and heartache if they held to the high view of marriage that we find in God’s word.
‘Speaking up for what is good is also an important form of pre-evangelism. It challenges our neighbours to consider whether they need the forgiveness promised in the gospel.’
The survey also found 64% of people thought divorce was justifiable compared to just 18% in 1981; and 48% said abortion was justified – up from 14%. Concerningly, in 1999 just one in 10 thought having casual sex was justifiable; but in 2022 more than four times as many (42%) took that view.
The study was part of the World Values Survey, which measured 24 countries. A random sample of 3,056 adults aged 18+ across the UK were surveyed.
