Half of Americans, including Christians, think shops and other businesses should dispense with ‘Merry Christmas’ greetings so as not to offend people of different faiths and none, a study has shown.

According to the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), 49% of all Americans believe that it would be better for businesses dealing with the public to greet customers with ‘Happy Holidays’ or ‘Seasons Greetings’ so as to avoid the possibility of offence. Some 43% supported the religious greeting.

These numbers represent an increase since from 2010, when 44% agreed with using the secular greeting and 49% disagreed.

Broken down, the figures reveal that fully 50% of Catholics back the secular greetings (against 44% who oppose removing the religious greeting). White Evangelical Protestants were the largest grouping (62%) insisting that the religious element to the Christmas greeting be retained (against 29%).

Using data from an earlier study in 2013, the PRRI also found that 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas, though 42% do so in a strongly religious way. Some 59% say they will attend a religious service on Christmas Eve or Day.

When it comes to reading the Christmas story in the Bible this season, 36% of Americans will do so. However, for white Evangelical Protestants, the figure rises to 68%.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the University of Tennessee has caused a storm after it issued a warning to students not to host Christmas parties as they might cause offence to non-Christians.

According to Buzzfeed, in a circular to staff and students, the university said: “Holiday parties and celebrations should celebrate and build upon workplace relationships and team morale with no emphasis on religion or culture. Ensure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise. Consider having a New Year’s party and include décor and food from multiple religions and cultures. Use it as an opportunity to reinvigorate individuals for the New Year’s goals and priorities.”

Among those vocally protesting the university’s move was Tennessee Governor Ron Ramsey who stated that if the circular had been approved by the institution’s Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, “he should resign. If not, the entire staff of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion should be dismissed.”

The University has now revoked the instruction.

The full Public Religion Research Institute findings on Christmas in America can be viewed at:http://publicreligion.org