RMC Briefing: Religion, identity and division in Britain
In our first RMC Briefing of 2026, we look at a new report which explores the reasons why faith narratives are being mobilised for causes of division in Britain, and recommends actions to “strengthen the institutions and relationships that allow faith to serve the common good”.
Religion Media Centre Podcast · Russell Rook, Carrie Alderton, Amardeep Bassey, Ruth Peacock, Ed Pawson, Paul Bickley
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Show Notes
In our first RMC Briefing of 2026, we look at the report "Questions of Hope and Hate: Faith and Faultlines in a Changing Britain", published by the Good Faith Partnership and Hope Not Hate, which explores the reasons for faith narratives being mobilised for causes of division in Britain, and recommends actions to “strengthen the institutions and relationships that allow faith to serve the common good”.
It says there is a "rising visibility and politicisation of religion" in the UK, with "new Christian symbolism of populist movements, the assertive politics of Hindutva, forms of Zionism shaped by existential insecurity, Sikh advocacy of a state of Khalistan and Islamist visions that link faith with power”.
The report analyses the reasons behind this shift, suggesting that democratic fatigue, global conflict, internal religious change, and weakened interfaith structures are reshaping civic life. Among its recommendations are the creation of stable long-term mechanisms for government and faith relations, embedding religious literacy across institutions, and renewing national narratives of belonging. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests:
- Report author Paul Bickley, independent researcher and consultant
- Lord Russell Rook, member of the House of Lords, founding partner of the Good Faith Partnership and priest in the Church of England
- Carrie Alderton, Interim CEO Faith and Belief Forum
- Ed Pawson, RE adviser to a number of SACREs in SW England and member of the RE Council's Policy Unit
- Amardeep Bassey, journalist, RMC communities reporter
Links
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