Christianity in Britain is declining at a faster rate that had previously been thought, according to an analysis of the 2011 census figures by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The new analysis shows that Christianity is declining 50 per cent faster than had been estimated. In its initial analysis ONS found a 15 per cent decline, but this figure included 1.2 million Christians born overseas. A more detailed analysis also came up with the finding that the majority of Christians are now aged over 60 (a quarter of them over 65) and that for the first time less than half of young people describe themselves as Christians.
As a result ONS has calculated that in a decade only a minority will describe themselves as Christians. In the 2011 census the figure stood at just under 60 per cent with a total of 33.2 million followers.
(CEN) Christianity in Britain declining at a faster rate that had previously been thought
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Sobering and somber reading (or at least the summary which is all that I can access). I can remember all kinds of evangelistic initiatives in the last three decades eg Call to the Nation, Decade of Evangelism etc. Apparently so little fruit. Part of me wonders though if being in a minority is so bad after all: a group of people who know what the believe might be better than a larger number who are cheerfully agnostic when it comes to Christian faith and doctrine.
Fr. Terry, I see what you mean, but what worries me besides the cheerfully agnostic are the increasing numbers of Muslims in your nation.
Who (to add to your point, Katherine) seem to know what they believe, to encourage proselytisation by members and unti recently were much in favour in the media or at least respected in a way that the churches were not.