Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The aim of the study was to assess afresh the current number and frequency of people attending church of all denominations in England in 1998. A previous study had been undertaken in 1989 and it was felt important to see how trends had changed. The 1989 study is held at the UK Data Archive under SN:2842, and two similar Scottish studies (1984 and 1994) are held under SNs 2554 and 4395.

Main Topics:

In particular, the principal investigators wished to know how attendance had developed in terms of frequency, the change in nature of attendance from Sunday to mid-week, and especially the age of those going to church. The survey also sought to ascertain details of personnel operating within each church, and the number of people who attended church activities. Supplementary questions were also requested by sponsors on healing, facilities available in each church, whether the church building was listed, and whether or not the congregation was still likely to be in existence in 2010.

No sampling (total universe)

Postal survey