Half of Scottish Population 'Has Positive View of Christianity'

Monday August 31

More than half of the Scottish population has a positive view of Christianity, according to new research published today. 

Research into the public’s perception of Christianity found that 55 per cent of Scots have a favourable view of the religion, and that more than half believe the faith has made a difference to their lives. 

The yearlong research is one of the most comprehensive studies of Christianity and Christian mission in Scotland.  It was commissioned by Transforming Scotland, a partnership between church leaders in Scotland and the Maclellan Foundation. 

The Rev Alan McWilliam, a Church of Scotland minister and member of the Transforming Scotland Steering Group, said: “The research has shown that a significant number of the Scottish public think the church is a good thing for a community, because it strengthens and cares for those within it, and acts as a positive influence for young people. The fact that people still see the church as a positive contribution to society is hugely encouraging.”

The research also focused on the work of church leaders and the reasons for church growth across Scotland. 

It was found that three-quarters of church leaders are optimistic about their work in Scotland. 

“One of the major things the group has done is identify significant factors for church growth, the attitudes of church leaders towards this, and how Transforming Scotland can nurture leaders to try new, innovative ways to grow churches.

Many of the leaders we asked are experiencing signs of growth in their churches and believe this will continue into the future.”

The results are published days after the latest Scottish Annual Household Survey revealed 47% of Scots now consider themselves as having ‘no religion’. 27.8% of the people surveyed said they belonged to the Church of Scotland, a drop of 0.6% on the previous year – but still suggesting around 1.5 million people identify themselves with the Church.

The Convener of the Church of Scotland’s Mission and Discipleship Council, the Rev Colin Sinclair, said: "These latest figures represent the challenges facing many established organisations in Scotland, not least the churches. Fewer Scots are identifying with the Church, even at a time the Church of Scotland is helping provide care and support for increasing numbers of people across the country, of all faiths and none. We are encouraged that so many Scots still consider themselves part of the Church. This is still a large part of the population, living out their faith in every part of Scotland, which represents a pretty potent force for good.”

Transforming Scotland are discussing the results of the research at a series of free events held around the country over the next two days:

Aberdeen:  Tuesday, September 1, 9:30am, Gilcomston Church

Dundee:  Tuesday, September , 4pm, The Steeple Church

Edinburgh:  Wednesday, September 2, 9:30am, St. Paul’s and St. George’s Church

Glasgow:  Wednesday, September2 , 4pm, St. Silas Church

More details here

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