In January 2022, Birmingham University published findings of an online survey of 1667 adult people, conducted between 20-21st July 2021 in conjunction with YouGov (‘Dinner Table Prejudice: Islamophobia in Contemporary Britain’). The authors observed that Gypsy and Irish Travellers were viewed negatively by 44.6% of respondents; Muslims were the next group to be viewed negatively (25.9%).
A large number of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people have an active Christian faith. The origins of belief for Gypsy-Roma reach back into early periods of migration from an area near present day Bangladesh. Travelling across Europe, many encountered and gradually adopted Christian teaching and traditions, reaching England in the 1600s.
Irish Travellers have a different, and ancient, history. Again, many have a Christian faith.
The statistics shown in this research are, sadly, not surprising news to the communities and demonstrate that there is much more work needed to raise awareness of hate and prejudice. Churches clearly have a vital role to play in addressing this need.
