The Evangelical Alliance has called on Christians of all denominations to support the Pope’s visit to Britain.

The organisation, which represents around a million evangelical Christians, believes the papal visit is especially timely as Christians face growing hostility from a small but influential secular wing.

It acknowledges that the visit is taking place amid anger over the Church’s handling of child abuse cases and strong opposition to its stance on issues like homosexuality, women and abortion, but says there are “other critical issues at stake” that will affect Britain’s future as a whole.

The Pope is expected to criticise government policies which have compromised the rights of Christians. The Alliance is urging all Christians to support the Pope’s address.

“There have been a number of high-profile cases involving gagging orders on Christians sharing their faith at work, praying for people and practising their faith in obedience to biblical teachings in the work place,” said Steve Clifford, General Director of the Alliance.

“Religion is not something we do in church on Sunday. It’s a living reality that affects every area of our lives. As such, we applaud companies and organisations that sensibly allow Christians to reasonably follow their beliefs without hindrance or hostility.”

The Pope arrives in Britain on Thursday for the start of a four-day visit that will include open air masses in Glasgow, London and Birmingham, and meetings with Church and Government leaders.

The Evangelical Alliance said it hoped the Pope’s visit would “act as a catalyst” for society to protect religious freedom in Britain and overseas.

Mr Clifford added: “While not all Christians share the Pope’s or the Catholic Church’s stance on certain issues, we should welcome his visit for the sake of fighting for religious liberty.”

A similar call was made over the weekend by the Bishop of Chicester, the Rt Rev John Hind, in a message to all clergy in the diocese.

He said: “Pope Benedict’s visit should be a real encouragement for Christians of all denominations at a time of almost unprecedented hostility to Christianity in this country.

"I urge all members of the diocese to pray earnestly for the Pope and our own Archbishop as they seek to present the unchanging faith of the Church in changing times.”