A Resurgence of Religious Interest Especially Among Gen Z.

 BY MBULA  PENINAH.

THE COMMON  PULSE.

For decades, surveys told the same story: religion in the West was on the decline. Empty pews, shrinking congregations, and rising numbers of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation) seemed to signal a permanent cultural shift. But in an unexpected twist, a new generation is complicating the narrative.

Across both the United States and the United Kingdom, Gen Z is showing renewed interest in faith, spirituality, and religious community sometimes in surprising and unconventional ways.

The U.S.: From Decline to Spiritual Curiosity

In the U.S., religious affiliation fell steadily from the 1990s into the 2010s. Churches closed, and younger generations seemed especially detached from organized faith. But according to new research highlighted by Vox, the trend may be slowing or even reversing.

Why the change?

• Loneliness epidemic: Digital lives have left many young people disconnected. Faith communities offer in-person belonging and rituals that social media can’t replicate.

• Search for meaning: Gen Z grew up amid climate anxiety, political polarization, and pandemic isolation. Many are turning to faith for grounding and hope.

• Hybrid spirituality: Not all are returning to church pews in the traditional sense. Some mix Christianity with mindfulness, or participate in online prayer groups alongside secular practices.

This isn’t necessarily a wholesale embrace of institutional religion, but it reflects an appetite for spiritual roots in a restless age.

The UK: Young Men Flocking Back to Church

In Britain, the story has a sharper edge. A Guardian report noted that church attendance among Gen Z men has risen by 50% in just six years. This growth is striking in a country long seen as secular.

Key drivers include:

• Community and activism: Churches are becoming hubs for young men seeking both belonging and purpose-driven action.

• Alternative to online radicalisation: While some worry that young men may be drawn into ideological or politicized forms of faith, others see churches as offering a healthier outlet.

• Male mentorship and structure: For many, the church provides role models and moral frameworks in a society where traditional pathways of community are weakening.

Common Threads Across Borders

Though contexts differ, the resurgence of religious interest among Gen Z in both the U.S. and the UK highlights shared themes:

• Belonging matters: Faith is less about doctrine and more about finding a tribe.

• Values and stability: In a fast-changing world, young people crave anchors.

• Faith reimagined: This generation is shaping religion in their own image digital, diverse, and often experimental.

What This Could Mean for the Future

The rise of Gen Z faith engagement raises big questions:

• Will churches adapt to these new seekers, or will young people build parallel spiritual communities outside traditional institutions?

• Could this be the start of a wider revival, or just a temporary generational spike?

• How will the blending of online and offline faith reshape worship and community in the years ahead?

Gen Z’s turn toward faith doesn’t mean a simple return to the past. Instead, it suggests a reframing of religion for a new era one that emphasizes belonging, meaning, and adaptability.

Whether in an American youth group or a London chapel, the message is clear: when the world feels unstable, the pull of spirituality is as strong as ever.