New in the North

Exploratory research on new worshipping communities across the Northern Province in 2023.

New in the North Report

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.