UK Evangelicals More Generous with Time and Money

A recent study in the United Kingdom shows Evangelical Christians there just might be the most generous religious group this Christmas.

A survey by the Evangelical Alliance asked some 800 British Christians what their giving habits will be this holiday season. 

They found that evangelicals are far more likely to give to charity and volunteer than anyone else.

According to the study, four in 10 (39 percent) of evangelicals will choose to serve by volunteering at homeless shelters and giving food to those in need.

Those numbers are compared to national figures which show that only 12.5 percent of people volunteered or gave to charity last year.

While evangelicals will be giving much of their time and money this Christmas, the study also revealed most of them will not struggle financially this season.

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance, said many evangelicals' wealth may keep them from relating to the communities they serve. 

"When we don't see for ourselves the challenges many face, it's a nudge for Christians to continue to show charity but also a stark reminder that our congregations might not reflect the realities of the communities we are in or seeking to reach," he said.