The lead researcher behind the “Quiet Revival” study has defended the findings of the report, which suggests a rising interest in Christianity within an increasingly secular society.
The research, published in April 2025 by the Bible Society, found signs of renewed engagement with Christian faith, particularly among younger adults. The survey was carried out by YouGov.
Speaking in an interview with Christian Daily International, Rhiannon McAleer, Director of Research and Impact at the Bible Society, said the research team had carefully reviewed the data after seeing the unexpected results.
“Our data is robust,” she said, noting that YouGov stands by the methodology used in the survey.
McAleer explained that while social research can contain grey areas, she remains confident in the overall trend identified by the study. She also welcomed open discussion about the findings but called for fair and consistent standards when comparing different sets of data.
According to McAleer, churches had already been reporting signs of change over the previous 12 to 18 months. Leaders spoke of more visitors attending services, including young men, and of greater openness to conversations about faith than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even so, the strength of the trend shown in the data came as a surprise.
“When you get a surprising statistical result, you check it carefully,” she said. The research team returned to YouGov to confirm that there were no flaws in the way the data had been collected or analysed.
Following the report’s publication, church leaders from across England and Wales responded positively, saying the findings matched what they were experiencing locally. Many said they had assumed the changes were limited to their own congregations, but the report suggested a wider pattern.
McAleer said the research has prompted further discussion about what she described as a changing missional moment in Europe. Other researchers in European countries have also noted shifts in spiritual interest.
While she cautioned against drawing direct comparisons with the United States, she acknowledged that the report has contributed to a wider debate about the place of Christian faith in modern Europe.
One of the most notable findings was the level of interest among young adults, especially young men who do not currently attend church. When asked whether they would like to learn more about the Bible, young adults were more likely than older age groups to respond positively.
McAleer was asked whether public figures such as Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson might have influenced this trend. She described the question as interesting but said it would be too simplistic to credit one individual alone.
Instead, she pointed to wider cultural factors. In Britain and elsewhere, concerns around men’s mental health, personal discipline and identity have become more visible. Trends such as gym culture, renewed interest in stoicism and a desire for structured lifestyles may reflect a broader search for meaning and stability.
Within that context, she said, it is not surprising that some young men are exploring Christian faith.
The report also suggests that younger generations may be more open to public expressions of faith. When asked whether it is positive for Christians to speak about their beliefs with non-Christians, young adults were the most likely to agree.
McAleer noted that some footballers and musicians in the UK have spoken openly about their Christian faith in recent years. While not necessarily evangelistic, their willingness to express belief publicly may have contributed to a cultural shift in how faith is perceived.
At the same time, challenges remain. Younger people often express scepticism towards institutional religion, even while showing curiosity about spirituality.
It remains too early to say whether this renewed interest will lead to significant growth in church membership. However, some church leaders have reported people attending services unexpectedly, sometimes following personal experiences such as dreams or a growing inner conviction.
Social media also appears to be playing a role. Some pastors report that newcomers, particularly young men, have already begun reading the Bible or listening to faith-based podcasts before entering a church building.
The report further indicates that personal relationships remain key. People are more likely to explore the Bible following encouragement from friends or family members than from celebrity endorsements.
As discussion continues, the “Quiet Revival” findings have opened a fresh conversation about the future of Christianity in England and Wales and the ways churches might respond to a shifting spiritual landscape.
This is a rewritten version of the article published on Christian Daily International.
