A recent survey conducted by Scottish think tank, Logos Scotland, has uncovered a prevailing sentiment of exclusion among Christians in Scotland. The study, which polled over 1,000 individuals, highlights concerns over political representation and the treatment of Christian politicians within the public sphere.
According to the survey findings, nearly 70% of Scottish Christians reported experiencing prejudice through negative comments or attitudes directed towards them. Additionally, a significant majority—75% of respondents—expressed apprehension regarding the abuse faced by Christian politicians.
Key figures such as Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, both openly identify as Christians. Mr. Swinney has described himself as a person of ‘deep Christian faith’, while Ms. Forbes, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, has faced scrutiny over her Christian beliefs in the media. This scrutiny intensified following comments during a campaign interview where she expressed personal views on marital relations and family values according to her faith.
The survey also revealed that approximately three-quarters of Christian respondents disagreed with the notion that the Scottish Government has been supportive of Christian principles in recent legislative initiatives. This sentiment contrasts sharply with perceptions held by non-Christian respondents, who generally did not perceive discrimination against Christians or express concern over criticism aimed at Christian politicians.
An additional study by Voice for Justice UK, which surveyed over 1,500 Christians, echoed similar findings. It reported that more than half of the respondents encountered hostility and ridicule when sharing their Christian beliefs. The report titled The Costs of Keeping the Faith highlighted challenges faced by young Christians in particular, noting that only 36% felt comfortable expressing their views at work. Moreover, a significant portion—56%—reported experiencing hostility and ridicule, with 18% citing instances of discrimination in professional settings such as interviews or promotion opportunities.
Anja Hoffmann, spokesperson for the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC), expressed concern over the increasing discrimination faced by Christians across Europe, particularly in Scotland and the wider UK. Hoffmann emphasized that public figures who openly endorse Christian values, like politicians, often become targets of intolerance, resulting in both personal and professional consequences.
As the debate on religious tolerance continues, the survey findings underscore a complex landscape where perceptions of exclusion and discrimination among Scottish Christians warrant further attention and dialogue.