Church attendance in Britain is rising due to Gen Z, latest research commissioned by the Bible Society has suggested.
The research, conducted by YouGov, found that last yr around 12% of adults attended church no less than once a month, up from just 8% in 2018.
Leading the charge, were men aged 18-24, with over a fifth attending church no less than once a month, a staggering increase from just 4% of that demographic in 2018. Women in the identical age bracket have also been attending church in larger numbers, going from 4% in 2018 to 12% in 2024.
Around a 3rd of 18-24 yr olds who don’t attend church say they’d go if invited by a friend, and 1 / 4 said they’re excited about learning more concerning the Bible – essentially the most keen of any age group.
Dr Rhiannon McAleer, who co-authored the report, said, “These are striking findings that completely reverse the widely held assumption that the Church in England and Wales is in terminal decline.
“While some traditional denominations proceed to face challenges, we’ve seen significant, broad-based growth amongst most expressions of Church – particularly in Roman Catholicism and Pentecostalism.
“There are actually over 2 million more people attending church than there have been six years ago.”
The research also indicated that ethnic minorities are playing an increasing role within the Church. Around one in five regular churchgoers are from an ethnic minority, with this figure rising to almost a 3rd amongst 18-54 yr olds.
Mental health and wellbeing was generally found to be higher amongst churchgoers, who were also found to be more likely than those from other religions or of no religion to work for the nice of their communities via things like volunteering and charitable giving.
Dr Rob Barward-Symmons, one other co-author of the report, noted, “With much of the population battling mental health, loneliness and a lack of meaning in life, specifically young people, church appears to offer a solution.
“We found that churchgoers are more likely than non-churchgoers to report higher life satisfaction and a greater feeling of connection to their community than non-churchgoers.
“They are also less more likely to report steadily feeling anxious or depressed – particularly young women.”
Paul Williams, chief executive of the Bible Society, said of the general findings, “This is a highly significant report which should transform the perception of Christianity and churchgoing in England and Wales. Far from being on a slippery slope to extinction, the Church is alive and growing and making a positive difference to individuals and society.”
