Another Western Nation Sees Uptick in Church Attendance
The article describes a mixed picture for Christianity in Australia: while overall church affiliation and attendance have declined across much of the West, a notable subset of Australians is increasing engagement with Christianity.A Church Pulse Check Panel survey of 1,005 local churches (Oct-nov 2025) found about 1.35 million weekly churchgoers – roughly 89% of 2001 attendance levels, indicating post‑pandemic recovery. Research cited by Melbourne Anglican and McCrindle suggests a “hidden undercurrent,” including nearly 785,000 people who shifted from “no religion” in 2016 to identifying as Christian by 2021. The resurgence is concentrated among older Australians (55+),though younger Christians-notably Generation Z-tend to be highly committed (68% of Gen Z Christians attend at least monthly versus 26% of Christian Boomers). Major life events (bereavement, divorce) are common triggers for people returning to the faith.
In recent decades, most Western nations have seen a downturn in church attendance and identification with the Christian faith.
Many Westerners are simply abandoning religion altogether, and with the arrival of immigrants who are also not Christians, the influence of the faith has even further declined in these nations.
Australia is no exception to this trend.
But while many Australians have left the faith in recent decades, there is a subset who are increasing their engagement with Christianity.
The Church Pulse Check Panel, which surveyed 1,005 local churches in Australia from October to November 2025, found that 1.35 million Australians attend church in a given week, according to a report from The Christian Post.
That means weekly church attendance has recovered after COVID to approach 89 percent of levels seen in 2001.
New data shows about 1.35 million Australians attend church weekly, with attendance back to 89% of 2001 levels as churches slowly recover and track health through a national “Church Pulse Check.” #Australia #ChurchAttendance #ChurchPulseCheck
🔗 https://t.co/sYt1fnzSqp pic.twitter.com/3WcZXNDlXN— The Christian Post (@ChristianPost) January 6, 2026
“While this reflects substantial post-pandemic recovery, it also highlights the challenges churches continue to face in regaining earlier participation levels,” The Christian Post reported.
Other reports found a similar “undercurrent” of Australians returning to Christianity despite broader trends toward secularization.
The Melbourne Anglican reported in April 2025 that “nearly 785,000 Australians who identified as having no religion in the 2016 Census listed Christianity in 2021,” referencing a study from research firm McCrindle.
“In a culture often perceived as post-Christian, it’s significant that hundreds of thousands of Australians are turning towards Christianity, even while others turn away from it,” Mark McCrindle, the founder of the firm, said.
The trend is being driven by Australians above the age of 55.
Younger Australians are less likely to identify as Christians, but those who do are highly committed to regular church attendance.
While only 26 percent of Boomers who identify as Christian in Australia attend church at least monthly, 68 percent of Generation Z Christians attend church at that level.
“Particularly for younger Australians, identifying as Christian today is a meaningful decision that typically leads to active church involvement,” McCrindle summarized.
Those who experienced a major life change, such as a death in the family or a divorce, were among the most likely to return to Christianity.
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