Survey on Church Attendance Withdrawn After Fraudulent Data Found

YouGov has withdrawn a 2024 poll on churchgoing in England and Wales after identifying fraudulent survey participants, reversing findings that had pointed to a sharp rise in attendance.

The company said the results could not be relied on because key safeguards were not switched on during the research process. YouGov’s chief executive, Stephan Shakespeare, said the firm accepts full responsibility and issued an apology.

What changed and why it matters now

The withdrawn polling had been a central element of the Bible Society’s “Quiet Revival” report published last year. That report used the survey to argue that church participation was increasing, including among younger adults.

With the data now disowned by the polling firm itself, the headline claims drawn from it lose their evidentiary base. For policymakers, faith groups, and researchers, the episode underscores how survey quality controls can materially alter conclusions about social trends.

What the survey had indicated

Before its withdrawal, the 2024 survey had suggested monthly church attendance among adults in England and Wales rose to 12% in 2024 from 8% in 2018. It also indicated a jump among 18- to 24-year-olds to 16% from 4% over the same period.

YouGov has not provided revised estimates alongside the withdrawal in the information available here. The firm said it intends to rerun the research with the Bible Society to produce what it described as more robust findings.

Responses from stakeholders

The Bible Society said it was deeply disappointed, adding that it had repeatedly sought and received assurances from YouGov about the strength of the methodology. The organization’s report relied on the survey as a key input.

Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson said the withdrawal supported his view that there is no Christian revival in Britain. His comment reflects an interpretation of the polling reversal rather than a new dataset.

Broader context and upcoming data

Separate from the YouGov polling, the Church of England’s annual Statistics for Mission report is expected in the coming weeks. Its latest figures cited here showed regular worshippers edging up to 1.02 million in 2024 from 1.01 million in 2023.

Because the YouGov survey has been withdrawn, comparisons between that polling and administrative-style church reporting should be treated cautiously. The rerun survey may clarify whether any change in attendance is measurable, but the timing, sample design, and quality controls for the new fieldwork have not been detailed in the information available.