The annual Statistics for Mission findings show that the overall number of regular worshippers across Church of England’s congregations rose to 1.009 million in 2024, a rise of 0.6 per cent – and the second annual increase in a row since the pandemic.
The figures also show an increase in the number of baptisms of adults and young people. They rose to 8,700 in 2024 compared to 7,800 the previous year. There was also a rise in the number of young people, aged between 11 and 17 years old who were baptised, from 2,100 in 2023 to 2,400 last year. Confirmations also rose by 5.3 per cent from 10,700 to 11,300.
However, the figures showed the overall number of baptisms - which includes infant baptisms - fell, as the post Covid lockdown ‘catch up’ slowed.
All age average attendance on a Sunday rose 1.5 per cent to 581,000 in 2024, while overall attendance across the week edged upwards by 1.6 cent in a year, and stood at just over 702,000 last year.
The increase was driven by a recovery in attendance by adults (over 16), among whom average Sunday attendance was up by 1.8 per cent and weekly attendance rose by 1.8 per cent.
There has been much talk recently of a 'Quiet Revival' in the number of young people coming to faith, but speaking to Premier, the Bishop of Bolton Rt Rev Dr Matthew Porter was more cautious: "It's a complex picture, but it seems to me that there is definitely something going on. And certainly in the Church of England, we're really grateful for the good work that many clergy and lay leaders are doing, working hard, calling people to faith. Cautiously, there's some really good news here, but there's lots more work to do."
The Bishop of Colchester, Rt Rev Roger Morris, said: "Our church communities have continued to work imaginatively and enthusiastically in order to recover after the pandemic. Although not everywhere, nor to the same degree in each place, we are seeing more and more people engaging with their local church, attending enquirers’ courses, seeking baptism and confirmation and playing an active role in the church community.
"This report outlines some hugely positive signs of growth, particularly in the churches’ outreach to children and young people, a key priority for the Church of England.
"I am hearing stories every week of people in North Essex who have found peace, meaning and purpose through their involvement with the church and in their deepening faith in God."