The New in the North research was commissioned to give a sense of developments with new worshipping communities in 2023. Data for the report was gathered and analysed in 2024, based on the annual Statistics for MissionMission 1. A group of people sent out to share religious faith. 2. The task of sharing faith. returns in the Church of England.
Key issues highlighted in the report include:
- There is significant life and energy in new worshipping communities, with at least 300 launched in parishes across the Province during 2023. But there is also a challenge in supporting and sustaining this life.
- A significant number of new worshipping communities are reaching children and young people, with a third of them providing wholly or mainly for this group.
- Churches that resource and revitalise other parishes are making an impact, accounting for 10% of child attendance and 42% of growth among children and young people.
- There is a great deal we don’t know – further research, analysis and reflection will be vital to build a more accurate picture over time.
You can download the New in the North report here.