In the UK, the popular definition of “evangelical” is broader than in the USA. Evangelical can be used about anyone who accepts the literal resurrection of Christ, and the other general creedal truths of the bible.
C. S. Lewis for example was in England considered very evangelical—though he did not accept the inerrancy of scripture. (Lewis had a very high view of scripture, but still not what the American understanding of evangelical requires).
Personally I think one must be careful about this article, as the author seems to have an axe to grind. One need not be a blind fanatical supporter of Israel for-Christian-prophecy reasons (the perception of many of what so-called “Christian Zionists” are about) to support Israel, the only real democracy—and civilized country—in the Middle East.
I heard Bishop Nazir-Ali—a key anti-Islamist mentioned in the article—speak at a conference recently, and his main point was that the reason immigrants in the UK (and Europe in general) are so isolated culturally from the Europeans, is in a large measure due to the un-Christian (or really post-Christian) lack of acceptance and bigotry they’ve faced over the last 40 years—coincidentally exactly when Britain turned its back on the Christian faith.
Islamic immigration in Europe is in marked contrast to Hispanic immigrants in America—where typically in one generation, or maybe 2, they fully know the language, and (although there are way too many illegals!) actually do integrate into our society. In Europe, with Muslim immigrants, this is not the case.
If evangelicals in the UK can win Muslims to faith in Christ (instead of fighting to force them out of the country) why is that a bad thing?
Thank you for this information. It clears up some questions I had.