Annual statistics released today by the Church of England show an increase in the number of children and young people attending churches in London.
The figures, which capture activity in 2011, also show an overall rise in attendance of all ages compared to the previous year.
The average weekly attendance of children and young people (aged under 16) in the Diocese of London rose by 7% and average Sunday attendance rose by 6%. The figures also show a 15% rise in child baptisms, further reinforcing the trend.
More widely, attendance of all ages increased in the capital with average weekly attendance rising by 3% to 78,200 and average Sunday attendance rising by 2% to 59,300.
Commenting on the statistics, the Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, said:
"These figures are an encouraging sign, both in the present and for the future, and reflect the many and varied opportunities there are for young people to engage with the life of the Church in London.
"Next month we will be launching Capital Vision 2020, the Diocese of London’s blueprint for the next seven years, in which we have set ourselves a target to double the number of young people actively involved in church life by 2020."
Final totals For 2011 membership / attendance
October attendance
| Age bracket | Pattern | 2010 | 2011 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All age | Average weekly attendance | 75,700 | 78,200 | 3% |
| All age | Average Sunday attendance | 58,400 | 59,300 | 2% |
| Adults | Average weekly attendance | 59,800 | 61,100 | 2% |
| Adults | Average Sunday attendance | 48,100 | 48,400 | 1% |
| Children and young people | Average weekly attendance | 16,000 | 17,200 | 7% |
| Children and young people | Average Sunday attendance | 10,300 | 10,800 | 6% |
Baptisms
| Age | 2010 | 2011 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant baptisms | 2,300 | 2,340 | 2% |
| Child baptisms | 1,960 | 2,260 | 15% |
Notes
- All figures are rounded to the nearest 10 or 100
- As totals and percentage changes are calculated on unrounded figures they will not always agree with sums and percentages based on the rounded figures shown
- Adults means all people of 16 years of age or over except the Adult Baptisms where adults are those 13+
- Children and Young People means all people under 16 years of age
- All figures include estimates where necessary
- All figures include Cathedrals.