Most UK church leaders believe Christians are facing discrimination in workplace

London, Feb.15 (ANI): Almost two thirds of the Church of England General Synod believe Christians are the victims of discrimination in the workplace.

According to The Telegraph, a survey of members of the Church's parliament found that 63 per cent of them felt that Christians faced discrimination at work. The majority also considers that freedom of belief has been eroded under the Labour government.

While 59 per cent agreed that they have seen a decline in religious liberty over the last decade; 38 per cent of members disagreed.

The findings follow a series of high profile legal battles fought by Christians who claim to have suffered as a result of their beliefs.

Church leaders have made impassioned pleas to Christians to stand up for their beliefs.

The cry from the Right Reverrend Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, for Christians to "reclaim" their "place in the public square" was echoed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who urged them to "wake up" and defend their faith.

However, Synod members were divided on whether Christianity should be exempt from equality legislation.

During a debate at last week's Synod, which was held in London, other members called for the Government to do more to protect the Christian faith.

The Sunday Telegraph survey interviewed 80 of the Synod's 484 members, including bishops, clergy and laity. (ANI)