Latest figures show rise in Suffolk church attendance

 

The average weekly attendance across the county's 475 parishes was 20,300, a rise of 3.5% on the 2007 figure. The number of adults going to Anglican churches was 17,100, up just over 2%. The number of children and young people rose by over 13% to 3,300. 23,000 people are on the church's electoral role (regular attendees) in Suffolk.

"These are very encouraging figures," says Nick Clarke, the Diocesan Communications Director. "They confirm a long term trend that the numbers attending church in the county is very stable. That stability is a great testament to the enthusiasm and energy of the clergy, week in, week out, in the communities they serve across Suffolk."

Well over a million people go to church every year in Suffolk, many more than cheer on Ipswich Town FC at Portman Road in a season.

The trend of more children and young people going church is reflected nationally. The national average attendance is up 3% at 225,000. Meanwhile 1,145,000 attend church each week, a figure that is 1% down on 2007.