United Kingdom (MNN) — A new study titled The Quiet Revival, released by the Bible Society and based on extensive YouGov polling data from 2018 and 2024, reveals a striking spiritual shift among young people in England and Wales.
The report shows that monthly church attendance among 18- to 24-year-olds has quadrupled since 2018—from 4% to 16%. Young men, in particular, show dramatic growth, rising from 4% to 21%. The overall percentage of churchgoing Christians in the general population rose from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024, now totaling 5.8 million individuals.
“Christianity is becoming more about active commitment rather than a passive cultural label,” the report notes.
Notable trends include a rise in ethnic diversity among congregations—19% of all churchgoers now come from ethnic minority backgrounds—and a surge in interest in Catholicism and Pentecostalism. Meanwhile, Anglican affiliation continues to decline.
Young people are also engaging with spiritual practices at higher rates: 40% report praying, and 51% have engaged in a spiritual practice in the past six months. Over a third express interest in learning more about the Bible.
Mental health challenges appear to be driving this revival. The study finds that churchgoers report higher life satisfaction, stronger community connections, and lower levels of anxiety and depression—especially among young women.
However, the report also warns of a gap in biblical confidence. A third of churchgoers struggle to study Scripture, and younger believers in particular are shaken by cultural messages and find Bible engagement challenging.
“There is a clear need for deeper discipleship,” the report states, pointing to both a challenge and an opportunity for the Church: “Young Christians bring energy and openness that can be nurtured with stronger engagement in Scripture.”
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