Church attendance in the UK is not only alive and well; it’s thriving like never before. Brace yourself, America, because a “quiet revival” is happening overseas, and it’s being led by none other than the resilient, passionate members of Gen Z. A recent survey shows a staggering 50% increase in church attendance over the past six years, particularly fueled by young men 18-to-24 years old. These are the very people supposed to be spiritually adrift, but clearly, they are hungry for meaning that the secular world simply cannot satisfy.
Now, the narrative that religion is disappearing is about as true as telling conservative Americans that their values will become obsolete. It’s the same old story: they underestimate our dedication to heritage, faith, and freedom. This survey, commissioned by the Bible Society and conducted by YouGov, exposes the glaring gap between the media’s portrayal and reality. “While some traditional denominations continue to face challenges, we’ve seen significant, broad-based growth among most expressions of Church,” said report co-author Dr. Rhiannon McAleer. Such statistics challenge the idea that religion has no place in modern society. In fact, it underscores that a life without faith is like a ship without a rudder. It’s not going to steer itself to prosperity or peace.
The survey also reveals an intriguing shift: young men are leading this resurgence, marking a flip in historical trends where women outnumbered men in congregations. Among these young men, church attendance has skyrocketed from a paltry 4% to a robust 21%. This isn’t a revival isolated to youthful idealism alone but signifies a deeper turn towards faith across all demographics. Even among those aged 35 to 44 and those above 65, attendance has increased steadily. Clearly, across the ocean, faith is not just a relic of the past but a vital force for the future.
The beauty of this finding isn’t restricted to the UK. There’s a parallel renaissance of faith bubbling among young conservatives stateside. A 2023 Survey Center on American Life study unearthed that more Gen Z women than men have left their childhood faith. This trend introduces a vibrant opportunity for young men, who are hungry for truth and tired of being fed the status quo, to explore their spiritual identities.
As conservative Americans, witnessing young men across the pond lead in such pursuits is nothing but inspiring. It aligns perfectly with the narrative of forging a life rooted in traditional values that value personal responsibility, family, and community. It’s a bleak reminder to those who scoff at the idea that faith is foundational to society.
The diversity among those attending services in the UK—a full 20% of whom now come from an ethnic minority—paints a promising picture of the strength found in a mosaic of believers united by faith rather than divided by identity politics. If there’s one thing we as conservatives can take from this revival, it’s the reaffirmation that our nation’s heart and values still beat vigorously. It’s time to celebrate it and support our youth seeking solace and guidance in faith communities.
As Mark Twain famously said, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” It seems the same holds true for faith in the Western world. Instead of surrendering to despair over shrinking congregations, let’s take this news as an energizing call to action, a beacon that true revival is not only possible but underway—both abroad and at home. The next wave of dedicated believers is forming, and it’s packed with young men taking charge, enriching church life, and reshaping the future of faith. It’s time to channel our convictions into action, championing this groundswell as a testament to what happens when we remain steadfast in our beliefs. Just as these young men across the UK have rediscovered church pews, let’s encourage the rising generation here to find their voice, faith, and purpose.