In a surprising twist, young Catholics in the UK are now outnumbering Anglicans by two to one.
A new study reveals a shift in religious participation among Generation Z, with Catholicism on the rise and Anglicanism on the decline.
This trend is part of a larger pattern observed across all age groups, suggesting that interest in Catholicism is gaining momentum, while Anglicanism struggles to hold its ground.
Young People Turning to Christianity Amidst Challenges
The study, conducted by the Bible Society, highlights an encouraging development: Christianity in the UK is experiencing a resurgence, fueled largely by young adults, particularly young men.
After decades of decline, participation in church life is growing, with more young people seeking connection, community, and a belief in God.
In a world overwhelmed by mental health challenges, distractions, and the isolating effects of social media, many young people are turning to prayer and the Bible as a source of comfort and guidance.
The Shift in Church Attendance
According to the Bible Society’s report, the youngest age group studied—18 to 24-year-olds—is now the second most likely to attend church regularly in the UK.
About 16% of people in this group say they attend church at least once a month, only slightly fewer than the 19% of those over the age of 65. What’s even more striking is that young men are leading the charge.
A full 21% of men aged 18 to 24 report attending church monthly, compared to just 12% of women in the same age group.
A Rise in Catholicism Among Young Adults
Looking at specific religious affiliations, the study found a notable shift in how young people identify.
Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 41% identify as Catholic, while only 20% describe themselves as Anglican—down from 30% in 2018. Additionally, 18% of this group identify as Pentecostal.
The Catholic church appears to be gaining ground, especially in contrast to Anglicanism, which has seen a sharp decline in young followers.
Increased Interest in Prayer and Belief
Interestingly, young adults are also more likely to express belief in a higher power. 33% of 18- to 24-year-olds say they “definitely” believe in God or some form of higher power.
They’re also more likely to pray regularly, with 23% praying daily, compared to just 17% of the general population.
On top of that, 37% of young adults say they pray at least once a month, significantly more than the 30% of people across other age groups.
A Positive Outlook for Christianity in the UK
The report from the Bible Society paints a picture of growing religious engagement among young people in the UK.
Over the past six years, there’s been a clear upward trend in church attendance, Bible reading, and overall participation in Christianity.
This renewed interest is seen as a hopeful sign for the future of Christianity, particularly as younger generations navigate a complex world filled with new challenges and distractions.
