Muslims most likely to be pro-Europe, while Christians back Brexit

Practising Christians are the most likely among faith communities in England to support the Eurosceptic 'Brexit' position.

Muslims, meanwile, are the most Europhile of all the religious groups, a new survey has found.

The findings came in the new Populus Hope Not Hate survey which throws light for the first time on what different religious groups feel about the EU referendum in June.

"All the questions suggest that professing Christians are currently more likely than average to take up Eurosceptic positions, with Muslims the most Europhile," reports religious researcher Clive Field.

Populus surveyed more than 4,000 adults in February. The findings are reported in deteail in Robert Ford and Nick Lowles' new book Fear & Hope, 2016: Race, Faith and Belonging in Today's England.

Meanwhile, Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan has praised the European Union as the "most successful project for peace, freedom and democracy the world has ever seen".

The Welsh Anglican leader warned of a danger in the referendum that the result will be determined by how people feel on the "spur of the moment".

He said: "We should not abandon the most successful project for peace. It is about belonging to a union of distinct nations, whose ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversities are protected by EU laws, who agree to work together for the common good, to pursue peace, and to help members who are less fortunate than others."

related articles
We are \'better together\' say Christians for EU
We are 'better together' say Christians for EU

We are 'better together' say Christians for EU

Christians warned government could use EU debate to slip through laws that \'undermine Christian freedom\'
Christians warned government could use EU debate to slip through laws that 'undermine Christian freedom'

Christians warned government could use EU debate to slip through laws that 'undermine Christian freedom'

It is not racist to fear migrants, says Archbishop of Canterbury
It is not racist to fear migrants, says Archbishop of Canterbury

It is not racist to fear migrants, says Archbishop of Canterbury

Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group
Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group

Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group

Christianity invented human rights. Secularists need to remember that
Christianity invented human rights. Secularists need to remember that

Christianity invented human rights. Secularists need to remember that

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.