Student body says radical Christianity thriving at universities

Increasing numbers of British students are exploring radical and open-minded forms of Christianity, according to the Student Christian Movement (SCM).

At a cathedral service this week to celebrate its 120th anniversary, SCM said it is planning to "speak up for religion that is socially inclusive and politically progressive at a time when intolerance is promoted by both religious reactionaries and militant secularists".

The service will be held in Manchester Cathedral with preacher the Rev Tim McClure, Archdeacon of Bristol and a former general secretary of SCM.

SCM National Co-ordinator Martin Thompson said: “At a time when religion is increasingly associated with intolerance and prejudice, it is vital that students have the opportunity to explore faith in an open-minded way.

"SCM works to promote Christianity that is inclusive, aware, radical and challenging. I pray that God will continue to bless our work.”

Richard Boden, a student at Birmingham University, said, “I was really excited when I came across SCM. I realised that meaningful faith meant asking questions, not pretending to be certain. SCM thinks that spirituality and political activism naturally belong together. It's a message I want other students to hear."

The service will include a celebration of SCM's work over the last 120 years, including its instrumental role in establishing the National Union of Students (NUS) in the 1920s.