'Gentle growth' in number of people worshipping in churches in Devon

The number of people worshipping in Devon's Anglican churches has risen over the past year by more than one per cent, the latest attendance figures have shown.

There has been an upward trend in the recorded average weekly attendance since 2008, with the latest figure reaching 27,100 in 2011.

The number of children attending church or church related projects has also risen signficantly, to 3,800 in 2011 (the latest available figures).

The number of people going to a church service at Christmas is also up significantly, in common with other dioceses across the Church of England. All age attendance at Christmas services in 2011 rose to 77,400 – up 34 per cent on the previous year, though particularly bad weather before Christmas 2010 is thought to have affected the 2010 figures.

Bishop of Exeter, Rt Revd Michael Langrish, welcomed the figures. He said: “We are encouraged by the latest figures which show that there has been gentle growth in the number of people worshipping in our churches. For over a decade now, the statistics show an increase in the number of people in regular contact with the public worship of the Church of England in Devon.

“Particularly heartening is the fact that the numbers of children and young people in our churches are growing too. We are committed to encouraging and nurturing children in our churches, and in our 130 church schools.

“We have also been investing in the way our parishes reach out to their local community. Last year we gave parishes £1 million to help grow projects that connect with their communities and we are starting to see the very first shoots spring up from that.”