Gen Z most religious generation alive, according to YouGov study

Published: January 11, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

A new international survey has challenged long-held assumptions about youth and faith, revealing that Gen Z most religious generation alive is not just a headline but an emerging social reality. According to a recent YouGov study, young adults born between the late 1990s and early 2010s are showing higher levels of religious belief, spiritual engagement and moral identity than older generations, marking a striking shift in cultural trends across the UK and beyond.

The findings come at a time when religion was widely assumed to be in steady decline in Western societies. Yet YouGov’s data suggests that Generation Z is not only rediscovering faith, but reshaping how belief is practised, discussed and integrated into everyday life.

A Surprising Reversal of Secular Trends

For decades, sociologists predicted that each new generation would become progressively less religious. Millennials were often cited as evidence of this trend, with lower church attendance and declining belief in organised religion. Gen Z, however, appears to be breaking that pattern.

The YouGov study indicates that Gen Z respondents are more likely than Millennials, Gen X and even some Baby Boomers to describe religion or spirituality as important in their lives. While traditional worship attendance varies, belief in God, prayer, fasting, ethical codes and spiritual identity has increased notably among young people.

Researchers say this does not necessarily mean Gen Z is returning to religion in its conventional form. Instead, many young people are engaging with faith in ways that feel personal, flexible and meaningful, blending traditional beliefs with modern values.

Why Is Gen Z Turning Back to Faith?

Experts point to several overlapping factors driving this unexpected religious revival.

One major influence is uncertainty. Gen Z has grown up during a period marked by economic instability, climate anxiety, global pandemics, political polarisation and rapid technological change. For many, religion provides structure, moral clarity and emotional stability in an unpredictable world.

Faith communities also offer something increasingly rare: real-world connection. In an era dominated by social media, many young people are seeking deeper human interaction, belonging and purpose. Religious spaces — whether churches, mosques, synagogues or informal spiritual groups — offer community, shared values and support systems that digital life often lacks.

Mental health is another factor. Rising levels of anxiety, loneliness and depression among young people have led some to explore spirituality as a coping mechanism. Practices such as prayer, meditation and ritual provide grounding and a sense of meaning that resonates with those navigating personal and societal pressures.

Redefining Religion for a New Generation

The YouGov findings also reveal that Gen Z’s approach to religion differs significantly from that of older generations. Rather than rigid institutional loyalty, young believers often emphasise personal conviction, ethical living and social justice.

Many Gen Z respondents say their faith informs their views on issues such as equality, environmental responsibility and compassion for marginalised groups. This blending of belief and activism reflects a generation that sees religion not as separate from society, but as a tool for shaping it.

Interfaith openness is also more common. Young people are more likely to explore multiple belief systems, engage in dialogue across religions and reject exclusivist interpretations of faith. For some, spirituality exists alongside, rather than in opposition to, science and modern culture.

The Role of Family and Cultural Identity

Family influence remains powerful. The study suggests that Gen Z individuals raised in religious households are more likely to retain faith than previous generations were at the same age. Immigration and multiculturalism have also played a role, particularly in the UK, where faith traditions remain strong within many communities.

Religion is increasingly tied to cultural identity rather than institutional obligation. For young people from minority backgrounds, faith can serve as a source of heritage, resilience and belonging in societies where identity questions are increasingly complex.

Digital Faith and Online Communities

Ironically, the same technology often blamed for weakening religion has helped revive it. Gen Z engages with faith through podcasts, social media, livestreamed services and online discussion groups. Religious influencers and youth-led digital platforms have made belief more accessible, relatable and interactive.

This digital presence allows young people to explore questions privately, connect globally and practise faith without the pressure sometimes associated with traditional institutions. YouGov researchers note that this flexibility may explain why belief is rising even as formal attendance remains uneven.

Not a Uniform Trend

Despite the headline findings, researchers caution against oversimplification. Gen Z is not universally religious, nor is secularism disappearing. Many young people still identify as non-religious, and scepticism remains strong in certain regions and demographics.

However, the key shift is that faith is no longer fading uniformly. Instead, belief and spirituality are becoming more polarised, with some young people deeply engaged while others remain firmly secular.

Implications for Society and Institutions

The rise of religion among Gen Z carries implications for education, politics and public life. Faith-based organisations may find renewed relevance if they adapt to younger generations’ values and communication styles. At the same time, policymakers and educators may need to reconsider assumptions about youth secularism.

Religious literacy, interfaith dialogue and inclusive spaces could become increasingly important as belief regains visibility among young adults.

A Generation Redefining Faith

Ultimately, the YouGov study suggests that Generation Z is not simply returning to religion, but redefining it. Faith for this generation is less about obligation and more about meaning, identity and purpose.

As one analyst noted, Gen Z’s spirituality reflects a search for grounding in a rapidly changing world — a reminder that religion, far from disappearing, continues to evolve alongside society itself.