More than 200 church choirs for children and young people will be established or renewed as part of a new programme.
The initiative, called ‘The Choir Project’, is a partnership between the Church of England and the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). It aims to engage young people with their local church choirs amid growing interest in sacred choral music.
While cathedral choirs in England reached a record 207 in 2024, research shows that 57% of local church choirs currently have no children. The new project hopes to reverse this trend by encouraging Generation Alpha to participate actively in church music and, by extension, in church life.
‘The Choir Project’ will support over 200 churches across England to establish or revive choirs for children and young people, helping them discover music as a pathway to mission and discipleship. The initiative is informed by research suggesting that young people are more likely to remain engaged in faith communities when offered meaningful roles, intergenerational relationships, and leadership opportunities.
The Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board has committed £400,000 to support the programme in partnership with the RSCM.
Hugh Morris, Director of the RSCM, said: “We are delighted to be launching this exciting new project. For generations, church choirs have been one of the most natural and joyful ways for young people to encounter faith, learn about worship, and grow in confidence and belonging.
"As we look to our second century of supporting church music and musicians, RSCM sees this investment in young people as a vital step to ensuring a bright future of music ministry and fostering active discipleship across all backgrounds and socio-economic environments, for the rich heritage we inherit today.”
Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, and author of Listening to the Music of the Soul, added: “The English choral tradition is unique and part of our rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The beauty of church singing speaks directly to people of all generations and from all walks of life. I am delighted to see this investment that will go to church choirs across the country.”
The Church of England claimed that starting new choirs has already proven successful in engaging young people. It points to Loftus Parish, near Saltburn, which grew its Sunday choir from two children to 18 after establishing a youth choir.
A young chorister from Loftus Parish said: “Every Sunday that you come, you better yourself in your singing and you better yourself in your knowledge of Jesus and God.”
Another added: “I love the stories about Jesus, seeing my friends and singing with the choir.”