1 in 5 say Bible-reading MPs would improve politics
In the lead up to the next election, 1 in 5 people believe that politics in the UK would be improved if more MPs read the Bible, according to new research.
A quarter of people also said they would trust an MP who is a practising Christian more than one who is not. And almost three-quarters of all people (71%) say that the expenses scandal has heightened their concerns over perceived integrity issues.
This does, however, mean that nearly a quarter of people would still vote along party lines even if they believed that their MP had behaved with no personal integrity.
The ComRes poll for Bible Society also found that:
- 72% of people say the personal integrity of their MP matters more to them than the party to which they belong to.
- Women (74%) are more likely than men (69%) to favour personal integrity over party allegiance – according to a Bible Society poll.
- More than a third of people actually assumed that their MP was a Christian.
The survey was commissioned to mark the launch, in the House of Commons, of the new website SUSA, which provides information and links for Christians who wish to get more involved in politics.
Bible Society Parliamentary Officer, Dave Landrum said: “Two-thirds of the UK regards themselves as Christian, and globally religion is growing fast. As faith is set to play an increasingly important role in politics in the future, it's important that this engagement is positive, hopeful and effective. SUSA is the first website of its kind which aims to support Christians to see such engagement as being biblical, missional and possible.”
