Coming in the week that a helpline was launched to offer advice on Islamic matters to young Muslims in Britain, a new report by Theos argues that an individual can be both a loyal citizen of a state and a passionate religious believer.

In Religion and Identity: Divided loyalties?, Sean Oliver-Dee proposes a 'Two Tier Model' in which religion and state become identity layers rather than competitors in the same field. He argues that Islam, particularly when read in the light of South Asian history and culture, offers the resources to enable Muslims in Britain to live as fully-loyal Muslims and fully-loyal Britons. The challenge, he contends, is to ensure that policy-makers and religious communities each recognise the legitimacy of both religious and political identities within its proper sphere.

The report rejects suggestions by some secular commentators that loyalties to the state and a religion are incompatible, and the 'privatisation' of religious faith as the answer to the challenges presented by a religiously diverse society.

Commenting on the report, Colin Chapman, former lecturer in Islamic Studies at Near East School of Theology, Beirut, said: "This paper is highly relevant to debates about how Muslims understand their identity and how they relate in Britain today."

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the Shadow Cabinet Minister for Community Cohesion and Social Action, added: "This paper is positive and well balanced – a not inconsiderable achievement in this hotly debated sphere."

Dr Oliver-Dee commented: "We hope that this report will encourage constructive and realistic engagement with this complex and vitally important subject."

To read the report, click here.

Details of Sean Oliver-Dee's latest book can be accessed here.