Some secularists in the United Kingdom "have a problem" with religion being talked about, says the Anglican bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines.

He has warned a brand of "intolerant" liberalism circulates in that is dismissive of the Christian faith, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Some Christians feel so "picked on" they are too scared to speak about their faith in public, the bishop warned according to the Daily Mirror.

He made his comments after UK Prime Minister Theresa May said it is important people can talk freely about their faith following claims some Christians dare not speak about Christmas.

Speaking in Britain's lower parliamentary chamber, the House of Commons, Nov. 30, May said: "We have a very strong tradition in this country of religious tolerance and freedom of speech, and our Christian heritage is something we can all be proud of.

"I am sure we would all want to ensure that people at work do feel able to speak about their faith, and also feel able to speak quite freely about Christmas."

Baines said: "Clearly there are some Christians who are concerned about whether they are free to talk about their faith in a respectful and appropriate way in the workplace.

The bishop told the Press Association in an interview, "Liberalism can become very intolerant of anything that doesn't fit its own parameters."

"Clearly there are some Christians who are concerned about whether they are free to talk about their faith in a respectful and appropriate way in the workplace," said Bishop Baines.

"Equally, there are plenty of people who are not Christians who think that Christians shouldn't, or think there is an issue around it. I call it religious illiteracy.

"There are people who have been disciplined or threatened with discipline for talking about their faith even though they have been asked about it. Someone makes a complaint and says they have been inappropriate. This is absurd. . .

"I think if you claim to be open-minded and liberal, why are you so frightened of religious expression?"