Catholic Church is attracting young people but cannot be ‘complacent’ says Archbishop

Young people are “thirsting” for God and this is being reflected in Catholic parishes in parts of London, but the Church cannot afford to be complacent, according to Archbishop of Southwark John Wilson

Archbishop Wilson was speaking to The Tablet in response to a survey conducted by YouGov published earlier this year by Bible Society that revealed the growing emergence of youth participation in the Catholic faith. The results of The Quiet Revival survey revealed that 71 per cent of adults aged 18-34 associate with Christian beliefs, 35 per cent of whom identify as Catholic.  

Archbishop Wilson said: “It is clear that there is a generation of young people who are thirsting for something more, who are being drawn to Christ through the Catholic faith. The question for us is how can we be more responsive in helping people realise that Christ is thirsting for them too, that he really is the Good Shepherd with a searching, merciful love.”  

He said the signs of growth reflect what he has seen in parishes across Southwark, which has launched renewal plans, Called to Bear Fruit, and the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, that work to propel the missionary dynamic and welcome new disciples into the Church. “While we are grateful for what is being termed the ‘quiet revival’, this shouldn’t make us think that renewal in the Church is something passive. Now is not the time for complacency.” 

Over the past three years, he said, attendance at weekly Thursday meetings, which include talks, prayer and socials, has more than doubled, and the monthly young adult Mass and socials now attract large numbers also. 

The Archdiocese has also implemented online evangelisation to attract young people. “The digital age means many of us are glued to our phones, so the Church must seize on that reality and bring the Word of God to where people are. Without using gimmicks, but with meaningful ways to share the Word of the Lord, and to know him, our approach is bearing fruit. Across Instagram and Facebook, we are averaging over one million views a month – and this is without using advertising. Our approach is deeply Christocentric and that is why it’s working, centred on the Lord Jesus and his invitation to life in its fullness,” said the Archbishop. 

He also noted, “It is a myth of our time that young people do not want worship, do not want prayer, do not want silence. The reality is so far from that. The impact of helping people to meet Christ is for them to be able to witness to their faith by putting it into practice, not least in the service of those in need.” 

In Southwark, the Archdiocese encourages young adults to live their faith actively. Many young adults volunteer as missionaries with the Archdiocesan Youth Mission Team and lead retreat days for teenagers in their spare time, while others become catechists. “We have to ask what our faith means in relation to how we live and shape our world to be a better place, how we defend the dignity of human life, speak up for those facing injustice, and create lasting peace,” said Archbishop Wilson.  

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