Quiet Revival report withdrawn because of ‘fraudulent responses’
The Bible Society’s report “A Quiet Revival” has been pulled after a review of the data found a number of “fraudulent respondents”. The report was based on surveys in 2018 and 2024 conducted by YouGov which found a dramatic increase in the number of people attending church at least once a month, especially among 18-24 year olds where it rose from four per cent to 16 per cent. The high increase had not been seen in any other polls and the results were challenged from the outset by pollsters. YouGov has now issued a statement saying it reviewed the data and found specific demographic groups contained a number of respondents which it now identified as fraudulent, “in sufficient quantities to make a few points difference to the result”, adding that some anti-fraud measures available in 2024 were not administered in the optimal way. YouGov CEO Stephan Shakespeare said: “YouGov takes full responsibility for the outputs of the original 2024 research, and we apologise for what has happened. We would like to stress that the Bible Society have at all times accurately and responsibly reported the data we supplied to them. We are running the survey again with Bible Society to get robust data on this topic.” The Bible Society said it was deeply disappointed that YouGov “not only made an error but also that it only discovered this so recently” and it was grateful for the apology.
Humanists are vindicated while others insist there is a resurgence of faith
The Quiet Revival phrase has become a permanent feature of Christian discourse in the UK – and the world – as stories emerge of new converts, and there is shock at the flawed data, but persistent belief in a resurgence of faith. The Bible Society says: “There is in fact a very positive story to tell. Over the past year we have seen an unprecedented public conversation about Christianity, with countless stories of a spiritual awakening among Gen Z, alongside greatly increased Bible sales in the UK, growing numbers of adult baptisms and confirmations, and increased attendance at evangelism courses.” Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance said the Quiet Revival report “was only one of many pieces of research that showed an increase in the spiritual temperature of the UK”. Podcaster and author Justin Brierley said: “The Quiet Revival was just one data point among many pointing towards a reawakening of faith in many parts of the West”. On the other hand, Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK said: “This is both validation and vindication. We need to be absolutely clear: there is no revival of Christianity in Britain…Global media reports have too often and wrongly jumped on the bandwagon of a supposed Christian revival in the UK. That must stop…. The UK is not a Christian country, and our politics must reflect that.”
Spanish woman dies by euthanasia despite legal action by her family
Noelia Castillo, a 25 year old Spanish woman who was left paraplegic after she tried to take her own life four years ago, has ended her life by euthanasia despite lengthy court action by her family. She gave an interview to Spanish TV this week relating her difficult childhood, sexual abuse by an ex-boyfriend and assaults in a nightclub, and said she felt alone and wanted to leave in peace and stop the pain. Her father fought against her decision to die but the European Court of Human Rights ruled in her favour. A group of Christian lawyers advising her father said the case highlighted serious flaws in Spain’s euthanasia law.
Archbishop Sarah to meet the Pope in April as they pledge to continue dialogue
The Pope has promised to continue the dialogue with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, despite disagreements between their predecessors over the Church of England allowing women priests and bishops. In 2016, this was described by the Vatican as a serious obstacle to unity. In a letter to the Archbishop, Pope Leo said he would continue to walk together with her despite differences, because it is only through truth and love that grace, mercy and peace are found. He asked God to give her wisdom, especially in this challenging moment in the history of the Anglican Communion, which is divided over the role of women and same sex marriage, and he prayed that she would draw inspiration from Mary the mother of God. Archbishop Sarah replied that she was deeply grateful for his prayers and encouragement, and through ongoing dialogue, they would continue to seek unity. Lambeth Palace has confirmed that she will meet the Pope and visit Rome from 25 – 28 April, and she was looking forward to meeting him and to “continuing to strengthen the bonds of friendship and our shared commitment.”
Pope asks French bishops to include people attached to the Latin Mass
A meeting of French bishops in Lourdes from 24–26 March discussed tensions over the Latin Mass but reached no formal decisions. However, a message from Pope Leo urged a more “generous” and inclusive approach to Catholics attached to the traditional rite, signalling a possible shift in tone. He asked the bishops to seek concrete solutions that would “generously include those sincerely attached to the Vetus Ordo, while remaining faithful to the directions of the Second Vatican Council.”
Christian schools in Jerusalem threatened after change in law
Aid to the Church in Need reports that it has been speaking to teachers in Jerusalem’s Christian schools, who warn of unemployment and school closures after a change in the law. The Israeli Ministry of Education told schools that they must recruit teachers who reside in the city and hold Israeli-issued qualifications. No work permits will be granted to Christian Palestinian teachers living in the West Bank who hold a green card, which used to enable them to work or travel within Israeli-controlled areas. A representative of the General Secretariat of Christian Schools in the Holy Land has said the decision threatens the future of Christian education in Jerusalem, jeopardising the sustainability of schools. Nearly 230 Christian teachers at 15 schools in Jerusalem are affected.
