As I reflect on the recent headlines about a “quiet revival” in the Church of England, I couldn’t help but wonder if this trend is also being experienced in our own Diocese of Norwich. The media has been abuzz with stories of “millions of Gen Z Britons flocking back to our churches,” and I’ve heard many of you remark, “Easter seemed quite a bit busier this year!” As a data analyst for the Diocese, I’m excited to share some insights and trends that suggest this revival may indeed be underway in our own backyard. With the help of churchwardens, PCC secretaries, lay ministers, clergy, and other volunteers, we collected data from an impressive 538 churches in 2024, representing a whopping 83% of our diocese. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this effort.
As we delve into the data, we begin to see some encouraging signs. For instance, six churches have already provided comparable figures for their Easter attendance in 2025, and the results are promising. All six churches reported higher attendance or communicants than in 2024, with an overall increase of 30%. While this is only a small sample of 1% of our churches, it’s a positive indicator that suggests we may be witnessing a resurgence in church attendance. I’d love to invite you to get involved in our data collection process for 2025, whether you’re a PCC member or simply someone who’s passionate about understanding the trends in our diocese. By contributing your church’s data, you’ll be helping us gain a more comprehensive understanding of what’s happening on the ground. If you’re interested in participating, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Rebecca Devlin, Data Analyst, at [email protected] or complete the form online via parish returns online: https://parishreturns.churchofengland.org/.
As we explore the data further, we begin to see a more nuanced picture of what’s happening in our diocese. For example, the “quiet revival” report from the Bible Society highlights the growing interest in spirituality and faith among young people. Similarly, the Sunday Express article notes that “millions of Gen Z Britons” are flocking back to churches. While these headlines are certainly attention-grabbing, it’s essential to examine the data closely to understand what’s driving these trends. By analyzing the data from our own diocese, we can gain a more detailed understanding of what’s working and what areas may require more attention. I’m excited to see how our data will help us better understand the complexities of this trend and how we can build on the momentum.
The statistics for mission return for 2025 are now open online, and I encourage you to participate by answering just two simple questions: one about Easter attendance and one about the refreshed electoral roll. As we move into the autumn, we’ll be adding more questions to the survey, with a closing date shortly after Christmas. Your input will be invaluable in helping us understand the trends and patterns in our diocese. By working together, we can gain a deeper understanding of what’s driving this potential revival and how we can nurture and support it. I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights, and I’m always available to chat about the data and what it means for our diocese.
As we look to the future, it’s essential to recognize that this potential revival is not just about numbers; it’s about the people and communities that make up our diocese. It’s about the countless hours of dedication and hard work that our churchwardens, PCC secretaries, lay ministers, clergy, and volunteers put into making our churches vibrant and welcoming spaces. It’s about the ways in which we can support and nurture one another as we journey together in faith. By working together and sharing our data, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of what’s happening in our diocese and how we can build on the momentum. I’m excited to see where this journey will take us and how we can work together to create a brighter future for our diocese.
As we move forward, I want to express my gratitude once again to everyone who has contributed to our data collection efforts. Your time and energy are invaluable, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this community. If you’re interested in getting involved or have questions about the data, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always here to help and look forward to working together to understand and support the potential revival in our diocese. Let’s continue to explore this journey together, with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn from one another. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our diocese and nurture a vibrant, thriving community of faith.
