Conversions to Catholicism in the U.K.
A survey from the Bible Society reports that 31% of churchgoers in 2024 identify as Catholics. This percentage is up from 23% in 2018.
Dr. Mark Nash, the director of the archdiocese’s Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis confirmed this shift, commenting, “The Holy Spirit is already hard at work in our diocese, with consistently high numbers of people joining the Church.”
The conversion of lay people echoes the significant conversion of Anglican clergy to Catholicism with former Anglican clergy making up one third of Catholic ordinations in the last 30 years.
It also is reflected in the surge in Bible sales.
Ambassadors for Christ invites Catholics to deepen their faith
In response to this hopeful trend, the Archdiocese of Southwark launched what they call a “landmark apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to the burning questions of both new and practicing Catholics.”
Recognizing the increase of people entering the Church, Dr. Nash explained that “Ambassadors for Christ is about capturing this moment, through joyful evangelisation, and deepening the faith of Catholics through education and formation.”
Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark said he understands the questions many converts – or even “cradle-Catholics” may have – because, he says, he converted as a teenager:
I know what it is like to search for answers, to thirst for the truth which only the Lord Jesus offers. Every day, people are searching for the same answers I did, thirsting for the truth I found, and it is our job to guide them on the right path.
Ambassadors for Christ is grounded in St. Paul’s statement that “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) and is meant not only for people with questions about the faith, but also to equip Catholics to help witness to others.
Journey with Ambassadors for Christ in 2026
The initiative will take place on Mondays throughout 2026 in the format of a weekly video from Archbishop Wilson or other priests.
Each video will follow a similar format. First, the video will introduce a common objection, question, or myth related to the faith. Then, that topic will be looked at through the lens of Scripture as well as the teaching of the apostles and Church Fathers.
Finally, Church teaching on the topic will be explained, with references to papal and Church teachings as well as wisdom from the saints.
People can find Ambassadors for Christ on YouTube as well as their WhatsApp channel. Topics so far have included whether Jesus is really God and whether the Eucharist is the Body of Christ.
Viewers have already commented on how clear and practical the teachings are and how important it is to have real Catholic comment on platforms with an increasing presence of AI.
With a wealth of topics yet to come, Archbishop Wilson said the reason for the initiative is simple: “I want the faithful – from converts to cradle Catholics – to feel confident and assured of their faith, so that when they are asked the reason for the hope within them, they can confidently speak of the Lord Jesus and his saving work."