Christmas church attendance is expected to rise, a new poll has suggested.
Research commissioned by Tearfund asked 2,017 UK adults if they are planning to attend a church event this Christmas.
It found that 45 per cent of UK adults are “planning to attend a church event or service this year”, a growth from 40 per cent the previous year.
Christmas services
The poll also found that: “Among non Christians, more than a third (34%) say they plan to attend a church service or event this year, up from 30% last year.”
Looking at age groups, it identified that “Gen Z are the largest generation to say they plan to attend church this Christmas”.
When asked about church community outreach, the poll found that 48 per cent of respondents “think the Church is effective at addressing major social challenges” rising to 54 per cent amongst 18-34 year olds.
Heart of community
Tearfund Director of Global Fundraising and Communications Stuart Lee said: “These figures underline something deeply significant: churches remain at the heart of community life at Christmas.”
He continued: “People are turning to their local churches for spiritual connection and for practical help. From food banks to warm spaces, churches are stepping in where they are needed most.”
He explained that local churches in the UK and beyond “understand their communities and are there long after Christmas is over”.
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