PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 2008

 

Comprehensive religion study released by Christian Research

A comprehensive study on religion in the UK has been released by independent research agency Christian Research.  

Religious Trends 7, the latest in a series of reviews of the Church, is packed with statistics and information about religion in Britain.

The book is an essential reference for anyone wishing to know facts about the Church, Christianity or other religions – and a vital tool for Church leaders, journalists, librarians, politicians and the business community.

It gives projections of changes and developments within the Church and other UK religions, and tracks trends which will help religious leaders in their future planning.

Religious Trends 7 also includes statistics on everything from the age of the average worshipper to attendance figures within various religions. It examines a psychological breakdown of churchgoers compared to non-churchgoers and even gives trends on the number of pupils taking A-levels in Religious Studies.

Benita Hewitt, Director of Christian Research, said, ‘Religious Trends is the only publication of its kind and provides a comprehensive picture of religious life in Britain at the beginning of the 21st Century.

 ‘This compilation of published research on UK religion is complemented by trends projected to 2050. However, these projections are based on past trends – and trends are subject to change as there are many new influences on religion in Britain today. It is a fascinating time to be observing religious life and we watch with great interest as the 21st Century unfolds.’

David Voas, Professor of Population Studies at the Institute for Social Change (University of Manchester), said, ‘Once again Christian Research has provided us with an astonishing array of religious statistics. They are presented here in a way that makes the figures clear, meaningful and of practical value. It is an essential work for anyone concerned about the trajectory of religion in the modern world.’

Religious Trends 7 goes on sale on Tuesday 6 May, priced £30. It can be ordered online at http://www.bibleresources.org.uk.

From Religious Trends 7…

·           The average number of people saying they have no religion has increased from 31 per cent in 1983 to 40 per cent in 2005.

·           Evangelical Christians give an average 12 per cent of their monthly income to churches and charities. The average household gives just 1.4 per cent of its income to charity.

·           The nation’s favourite hymn, identified by BBC’s Songs of Praise, is How Great Thou Art.

·           Churchgoers are more likely than non-churchgoers to make decisions through harmony with others.  

·           The number of female ministers in the UK is projected to increase from 11 per cent of ministers in 2000 to 48 per cent in 2050.

·           4,820 religious books were published in 2007, compared to 616 books on the occult.

·           Three quarters of Anglican churchgoers believe ‘without question’ that Jesus died to take away the sins of the world.

·           About a third of those brought up in a Christian family become non-religious in adulthood.

·           35 per cent of 13-15 year olds in urban England believe in life after death.

·           The English Church Census showed that 144 Church of England churches had Sunday congregations of 350 or more people.

Note to the editor:

About Christian Research

Christian Research is the organisation that sees, hears, understands and tells the story of Christianity today.

As the key commentator on trends affecting the Church and its relationship with culture, it helps the Church build bridges with those in the wider world.

It works in close partnership with Bible Society but maintains professional impartiality and independence that is critical to its role.

About Bible Society

Bible Society, founded in 1804 as the British and Foreign Bible Society, is a Christian charity that exists to make the Bible heard throughout the world. 

The majority of its work is overseas, making the Bible available in a language people can understand and at a price they can afford.

Here in England and Wales, the Society works to build bridges between the Bible and people’s everyday lives, as well as to rebuild confidence in its enduring message.

For more information please contact, 'Yemi Folayan, Public Relations Officer, Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG T: 01793 418255 F: 01793 418118 E: media.enquiries@biblesociety.org.uk