A recent British Council report shares the results of a survey of Brits and Americans on their attitudes toward religion and belief. The Bridging Voices-supported work aims to encourage transatlantic dialogue and cooperation around the perspectives presented in the report.

From a cultural relations perspective, it’s important to remember that more than eight out of ten people worldwide identify with a religious group and that religion is an essential component of individual and group identity for many.

The surveys in this report demonstrate that vast majorities of Brits and Americans agree that freedom of religion or belief is both a fundamental human right and a fundamental guiding principle of the UK and the US. However, the British Council’s meetings of experts working at the centre of religion and international affairs suggest that foreign policy bureaucracies remain ill-equipped to engage effectively with religious actors.

By examining public attitudes towards various aspects of religion and belief, we hope to prompt transatlantic dialogues on key aspects of the perspectives presented in this report.

Read the full report