Religious Freedom
Religious freedom is not just about beliefs - it’s about human dignity, public trust, and the health of democracy. From rising hate crimes to global persecution, this issue calls for clarity, courage, and compassion.
In England & Wales, recorded religion-based hate crimes reached 10,484 in 2023–24, a 25% increase, with antisemitism and Islamophobia surging after global conflicts
Meanwhile, the Board of Deputies and government are responding to a “two-tier policing” culture, especially regarding antisemitic incidents, with calls for consistent protocols across police and public services
Around 365 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination, equating to 1 in 7 believers globally - a significant increase from 1 in 8 in 2021
According to CSW, hundreds of religious leaders and congregations are being forcibly closed, imprisoned, or targeted across nations like Cuba, Nigeria, China, and Myanmar - sparking urgent international advocacy calls
The UK government continues to lead with a Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and supports global commitments through FoRB centralised foreign policy and UN covenants, with cross-party support
What’s Happening in UK Policy
Why It Matters
Conscience is sacred — it reflects the image of God in every person (Genesis 1:27).
Freedom of belief is foundational: Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is not just a preference — it’s a universal human right, enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…”
This foundational right safeguards not just worship, but identity, conscience, speech, and choice. History and global trends show: where FoRB is eroded, every other human right soon follows — from expression to assembly, education to privacy. Religious freedom is a litmus test for wider justice.
Rising religious hate shatters trust, creates fear, and fractures communities.
Discrimination isn't only physical—many Christians (especially young believers) report feeling unable to express faith in public
Global persecution reminds us that persecution anywhere threatens freedom everywhere. The UK must champion religious rights at home and abroad.
Theologically, the Bible affirms that justice is not optional. It is the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14), and He “requires” His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8).
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) compels us to extend compassion beyond tribal, ethnic, and religious lines. The Samaritan helped someone from a hostile group, proving that neighbour-love is bigger than religion.
The Apostle Paul affirmed diversity in public space — even defending it before kings and rulers. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).
And when Peter tried to silence others by force, Jesus rebuked him (John 18:11). The gospel never spreads through coercion.
Biblical Principles
A. Image and Conscience
Genesis 1:27 – All are made in God’s image.
Acts 5:29 – Obedience to God over human authority.
B. Pursuit of Justice
Isaiah 1:17 – "Learn to do right; seek justice."
Micah 6:8 – "What does the Lord require? … to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
C. Love and Respect for Others
Matthew 7:12 – "Do unto others…", extended to all ideologies and beliefs.
1 Peter 2:17 – "Show proper respect to everyone."
Mini Reflection
To protect religious freedom is not niche - it’s to protect humanity itself. As a society, we guard the right to worship and speak. As believers, we defend the conscience of every person—Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist, or none. Our faith holds that everyone bears God’s likeness and has a right to live truthfully.
Morally Conservative & Socially Liberal
Moral Foundation: Reject hate and discrimination. Advocate that all belief systems merit respect.
Social Stance: Support policy that protects religious expression, while opposing sectarian privilege.
Strengthen Consensus: The government is to standardise hate crime responses, support free speech protections, and resist faith-based discrimination in schools and NHS workplace.
Global Solidarity: Champion the UK’s Special Envoy role and advocate for global faith minorities facing persecution.
What You or Your Group Can Do
Individuals
Write to your MP affirming stronger protections for religious expression and improved hate crime reporting and training.
Support legal challenges against wrongful hate-crime prosecutions or blasphemy overreach through civilsociety groups.
Churches & Communities
Host interfaith dialogues—invite Jewish, Muslim, atheist or humanist speakers - demonstrating respectful engagement.
Provide safe spaces for young believers to express faith confidently (e.g., student groups, workplace prep).
Run awareness events on global persecution, linking with CSW, Open Doors or FoRB advocacy.
Encourage local councils and policing bodies to implement consistent, transparent hate crime procedures across all faiths.