The number of Christians in England and Wales has fallen to 51 per cent of the population from the 59 per cent recorded in the 2011 Census.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed just over half the population in England and Wales described their religion as Christian in 2019.
This coincides with an increase in the number of those not adhering to any religion, which has grown from 32.3 per cent in 2011 to 38.4 per cent now.
Of those with no religion, 53 per cent are aged between 20 to 29-years-old followed by those aged between 30 to 39-year-olds with 46 per cent.
Young adults are therefore the smallest proportion of Christians with only 35 per cent of 20 to 29-year-olds adhering to Christianity as their religion.
This compared to 60 per cent of 60- to 69-year-olds, 74 per cent of 70 to 79-year-olds, and 81 per cent of those aged 80 and over.
Although the results of the 2021 Census are due to be published, the Office for National Statistics has revealed data showing that “no religion” was the second most common response in 2019.
Reacting to the figures, Dave Male, the Church of England’s director of evangelism and discipleship told the Telegraph: “It’s encouraging that in an age where people are less likely to [class] themselves as ‘Christian’ more than half the population still do.
“We know from research that there is a willingness among younger generations to engage with faith and, for people of all ages, the need for meaning and answers in life hasn’t stopped.”