The number of adults baptised in the Diocese of Lichfield has risen by 15 per cent.
The jump was revealed in figures released by the Archbishops’ Council, showing that 470 adults were baptised in 2009, compared to 410 the previous year,
Meanwhile, baptisms of children under one year old rose by one per cent to 3,930, while infant thanksgivings – often chosen by parents as an alternativeso that children can choose to be baptised themselves when they are older – also rose, by 15 per cent to 280.
The figures also show that the 579 churches across the diocese show 38,000 people attended on average each week.
The Revd George Fisher, director of parish mission for the Diocese of Lichfield, said:
“These figures show how people in our churches are effectively sharing the love of God in their communities and making the unchanging Good News of the Gospel fresh news to the people of the Midlands.”
Easter attendance rose by three per cent, but Christmas attendance fell by eight per cent. This is in line with the national figures which saw Christmas attendance fall by nine per cent. However, the church has said widespread snow and ice was to blame for poor attendances across the country.
