Study highlights changing political attitudes of Christians in Scotland

Report by Pastor Duncan Williams for Sorted magazine

Christians in Scotland are increasingly undecided about which political party to support, according to a new study that highlights changing political attitudes ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.

The report, produced by Logos Scotland, found that 42% of Christian respondents were unsure which party they would back, a substantial increase from 16% in a similar survey conducted in 2024. This shift indicates a significant move away from traditional patterns of party loyalty.

Among respondents who expressed a preference, Reform UK received the most support at 15%. Backing for the Scottish National Party, previously a popular choice among Christians, dropped sharply from 35% to 12%. The Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour Party were supported by 9% and 8% respectively, while the Scottish Family Party and Scottish Liberal Democrats each attracted 6% of respondents.

The research also revealed variation among different age groups and denominations. Younger Christians, particularly those aged 25 to 34, were more likely than the overall sample to support the Scottish Family Party, which also attracted modest backing among Baptist and Free Church members.

Hamish Goldie-Scot, a list candidate for the South of Scotland, said the results reflected a broader concern among Christian voters about the moral positions of mainstream parties. “Though we are not a Christian party, many of our members are Christians, or members of other faiths, who recognise the importance of marriage and the value of life,” he said. “For such people, it is becoming increasingly difficult in good conscience to vote for parties that – in terms of party policy – have at best become equivocal about, and at worst appear to oppose, such values. As for the reported rise in support among younger voters, I appreciate that the sample size was small, but this also reflects what we hear on the doorstep.”

Logos Scotland said the findings point to a more fluid political landscape rather than disengagement. The data suggests that Christians in Scotland are now spreading their support across a wider range of parties or remaining undecided, signalling a potentially unpredictable outcome in the next elections.

This trend represents a marked departure from previous years, when a significant portion of Christian voters tended to favour a small number of established parties.

Analysts say parties may need to adapt their messaging and policies to address the concerns and priorities of this shifting electorate.

( Photo: Edinburgh / Pixabay Library 📸 )