Christianity in Britain is in danger of fading out within a generation unless the country’s Christian inheritance is valued, the Bishop of Shrewsbury will say in his homily at Christmas Midnight Mass.
The Rt Rev Mark Davies will warn the faithful that they may soon become a minority unless they are ready to witness to their belief with the same courage and conviction as persecuted Christians across the Middle East today.
During the Mass at Shrewsbury Cathedral, the Bishop will add his voice to concerns expressed in recent weeks by Pope Francis and Prince Charles over the possible extinction of Christians from the Middle East amid unrelenting violence and discrimination.
He will tell the congregation that Christianity in Britain is similarly under threat - but from 'ignorance' and 'neglect' - and he will call for a 'new evangelisation' to stop the faith from disappearing.
“At this time every year the light of Christian faith is glimpsed again across our land bringing families and communities together and inspiring countless initiatives of charity,” the Bishop will say.
“However, just as the festive lights now brightening our darkened streets will soon be taken down for another year, the light of Christmas can as quickly fade for each generation unless we take to heart the news of great joy announced on this night,” he will say. “It is the real joy of Christmas we are today in danger of losing.”
Bishop Davies will say: “This Christmas we … cannot fail to recognise that Christianity in our own country is under threat not by violence or widespread discrimination but by neglect and a growing ignorance highlighted in last week’s survey which found young British adults confused between the Gospel and the story of Father Christmas.
“The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, warned here in Shrewsbury that Christianity in England is only ever one generation away from extinction.
"We are always a generation away from seeing the extinction of Christian faith in our own land if we fail to pass on the faith in its fullness to the generations who follow us.
“Christianity has been the most important element in England’s history, shaping our culture, institutions and laws and yet this bright light will fade unless we value anew the Christian inheritance.
“It will fade unless we are ready as a Christian minority in this land to give witness to our faith with the courage we see in so many Christians around the world.”
The survey referred to by the bishop was carried out by polling and research consultancy ComRes.
