Gen Z could be on the cusp of a faith revival, according to new research.
New polling by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) found higher levels of religiosity in people aged 18-24 than any other age group.
The survey of over 2000 UK adults was carried out by Whitestone Insight and showed that 69 per cent believed their faith significantly impacted their lives. In contrast only 51 per cent of over 65s agreed with that statement.
A further 72 per cent admitted their religion helps them find purpose in life, again, compared to just 47 per cent of over 65s.
Younger groups of believers in the UK were also more likely to have a diverse group of friends, suggesting a higher degree of tolerance for people who were different to them.
Seventy-six per cent of 18–24-year-olds had friends with faiths or beliefs different from their own.
In contrast, though, younger generations were also more flexible about their own faith and there was an openness to covert to other religions.
Forty-five per cent said they were open to changing their mind on their religion compared to just 22 per cent of those in their late 60s and older.
Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics found those who are identifying as Muslim currently are within the youngest bracket whilst those saying they are Christian are amongst the oldest.
Overall, the research suggests Gen Z are more open to the idea of God than the older millennial generation.
Charlotte Littlewood, senior research associate for IIFL, said: "The results have shown that whilst legally and politically the UK has been on a general course of secularisation, British youth are more believing than those half a century their senior."
"Faith is seen of higher value, significance and impact to Gen Z compared with previous generations."
