Younger people are driving a rise in church attendance nationally, an MP has told Parliament.

Labour MP Marsha de Cordova said this week that attendance at British churches has increased, crediting young people with the surge.

Speaking in her capacity representing the Church Commissioners, de Cordova pointed to recent services, particularly during the Christmas season, as evidence that congregations are growing.

The Church of England has reported steady growth in attendance over the past four years, according to its annual Statistics for Mission report.

In 2024, average weekly attendance across Church of England services reached 1.009 million, a rise of 0.6%.

While official statistics are still being finalised, the Labour MP said initial reports suggested increased attendance at recent Advent and Christmas services.

“Churches have reported fuller congregations for carol services, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services," Cordova said, adding that this was consistent with “upwards seasonal patterns” seen in recent years.

De Cordova said the rise in attendance was particularly notable in “urban areas” and among “young people”.

MPs also raised questions about upcoming services, including Easter and Good Friday. The Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire asked about the Church of England’s strategy for encouraging attendance.

In response, Ms de Cordova highlighted resources produced ahead of major festivals, including the “Everyday Faith app”, and urged MPs to visit churches in their constituencies during the Lenten season.

The figures contribute to a broader national conversation about faith among younger generations, following a YouGov poll last year which found belief in God among Gen Z had risen from 16% to 45% over three years.