Survey results highlight reasons for declining church attendance

A year-long ecumenical survey across the UK undertaken by the Ecumenical Research Committee (ERC), investigating the reasons why church attendance is declining, has highlighted some concerning results as to the decline in church attendance..

The results of the Report which is published today, summarizes the views of the 14,000 people / house-groups /congregations who responded to the survey which was carried out between the 12-month period from September 2003. The Report, carries in-depth information of the views of ‘the people in the pew’ and highlights what attracts them to church or alternatively what is unhelpful and deters them from attending.

“This Report is essential reading for those who are concerned about the decline of church-going in Britain and Ireland. The results of ‘The Church Survey’ compiled by the ERC will provide everyone – of whatever denomination – with ideas and suggestions ‘from the grassroots’ on how to reverse this decline and draw people back into the pews”, said Lord Bromley, who has written a foreword to the Report.

The Report is available as a .pdf on ERC’s website: www.churchsurvey.co.uk Alternatively the report may be purchased in either booklet or CD format at £3.50 each (€7.30) per copy.

For more information: Rev Jonathan Willans, Chairman of ERC, 19 Glenfield Road, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7HR. Tel: 01306 611224 E-mail: christian.survey@virgin.net

21 January 2005