Young people more likely to have been to church, poll finds

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Young people are more likely to have been to church than any other age group in the UK, a poll has found.

According to the Savanta ComRes survey for Operation Mobilisation (OM), over half of the population (54%) said they had never been to church in the last 12 months.

This rose to 56% among 45 to 54 year olds, 65% of 55 to 64 year olds, and 61% in the 65+ age group. 

Younger people were less likely to say they had never been to church in the last year - 41% of 18 to 24 year olds, 47% of 25 to 34 year olds, and 49% of 35 to 44 year olds.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of 18 to 24 year olds said they had been at least once, compared with 17% of 55 to 64 year olds, and one in five of over-65s.

The figures did not include attendance at church for events like weddings or funerals. 

OM will be welcoming thousands of teens to Ledbury, Herefordshire, this summer for TeenStreet.

The event is held each year to encourage teens to explore how they can positive impact the world.

Arnold Mabiala, Teenstreet UK Coordinator, said: "OM wants to see young people grow in their faith and be supported as they root themselves as Jesus followers.

"Teenstreet UK is grounded in biblical teaching, small group support, and includes an array of activities, workshops and seminars.

"We're motivated to continue connecting the UK into Teenstreet's thriving global community that sees teens live out God's love at home and around the world."

Abigail, 17, attended Teenstreet UK in 2022. She said: "I have a dream to tell people about God who are in really difficult places.

"Sometimes people discourage me, but I felt God saying to me at Teenstreet 2022 that it was time to stop feeling afraid of what others think about me. If our purpose as Christians is to make disciples, then we must be willing to go anywhere."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.