Church congregation numbers up on national average

A county has seen a rise in church congregation numbers that has surpassed the overall national increase, a diocese has said.

The attendance growth for adults for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich rose by 6%, above the national rise of 1.8%, during 2023-2024.

Average church attendance for children also saw an increase of 10% compared to the national increase of 0.4%.

Gary Peverley, the diocesan secretary, said he was pleased to see church attendance growing in Suffolk.

"The latest reported attendance figures highlight an encouraging trend in worship participation, particularly among children, within the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich compared to national averages," he said.

"I am delighted by this news as it indicates that our commitment to our Growing In God vision is working," he added.

The diocese received funding from the Church of England for two growth projects including Inspiring Ipswich, which made more than 36,000 new contacts with those outside of the church.

The total worshipping community within Ipswich has increased by 20% between 2019 and 2024, which the diocese said was down to the project.

Tim Holder, the diocesan director of engagement, said the overall figures were "hugely encouraging because they show a commitment to faith in Suffolk".

"It is this commitment that leads to large number of church volunteers being engaged with supporting their communities with projects such as top-up shops, parish pantries, well-being support groups, cafés, lunch clubs, youth groups, toddler groups, rural chaplaincy and more," he added.

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