RMC Briefing: Quiet Revival report withdrawn - key lessons and future implications

The Bible Society’s report “A Quiet Revival” has been pulled after a review of the data found a number of “fraudulent respondents”. The report was based on a survey conducted by YouGov which found a dramatic increase of 56 per cent in the number of people attending church at least once a month from 2018-2024, with the growth particularly marked among 18-24 year olds. This high increase had not been seen in any other data, and the results were challenged from the outset by pollsters. YouGov has issued a statement saying it reviewed the data and found specific demographic groups contained a number of respondents which it now identified as fraudulent. It took full responsibility and apologised. The Bible Society said it was deeply disappointed, but continues to maintain that there is a spiritual awakening among GenZ and more people are finding faith today. In this briefing, we review the fallout from the flawed data and resultant withdrawal of the report, and the lessons for Christians commissioning data, polling companies finding answers, journalists reporting polls and the legacy of distrust. Hosted by Ruth Peacock, the speakers were: Paul Williams, CEO Bible Society – offering to take part Prof David Voas, Emeritus Professor of Social Science in the UCL Social -Research Institute, which he led from 2016 to 2020 Prof Sir John Curtice, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research Nick Spencer, senior fellow at Theos Justin Brierley, author, speaker & podcaster. Director of Think Faith. Host of the podcast Uncommon Ground. Revd Canon Giles Goddard, vicar of St John’s Waterloo Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information [email protected] (+44) 0203 970 0709