The evangelical matrix:

Abstract

This paper examines evidence of contemporary British evangelical diversity, in terms of theological and socio-political convictions. Survey responses are analyzed from the leadership teams of prominent evangelical organisations, delegates at the most recent National Evangelical Assembly and theological college students. The contours of a modified theological consensus become apparent. Although evangelicals have embraced social justice – anti-racist, anti-sexist and favouring debt cancellation for the developing world – they remain conservative in terms of sexual ethics, supporting restrictive policies concerning abortion, censorship and divorce, with most rejecting the legalisation of marijuana. However, senior evangelical leaders are more inclined to restrictive social policies than evangelicals who are younger or female: socio-political concern among moderate evangelicals may therefore have begun to evolve towards the societal consensus. Given this emergent socio-political heterogeneity, traditional evangelical ethical givens are likely to become as contested as the previous conservative theological consensus.