A new report has revealed congregations are returning to churches across the Diocese of Lichfield.
The Easter Church Attendance study showed that figures this year had reached 74% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The study also found that when online worship was added, the numbers engaged in church services was at the same level as it was three years ago.
Churches were shut for large portions of the Covid pandemic, with many turning to digital options for congregations through live-streaming and other options.
But the new study, which saw churches record their Easter attendances, showed that normal service was beginning to be resumed.
Simon Foster, chaplaincy and mission team leader for the Diocese of Lichfield, said:
“Many churches responded to the request to send their Easter Day figures early – that’s been extraordinarily helpful in sketching a picture of post-pandemic church life and many people will find that picture encouraging.
“Not only are people returning to church, but online engagement has become a part of our church life in new ways.”
Simon Foster, Diocese of Lichfield
Analysis of the data also showed that online worship was not being used as a substitute, with an increased overall return across digital and physical services in 2022 compared to just 79% for those who did not use streaming and other tools in the preceding years.
While the number of churches offering digital options and the number of people attending via this route is down from the pandemic period, the report found that some cathedrals and other sites have continued to maintain “large online congregations”.
The report – which draws on dioceses in Lichfield, Canterbury, Oxford and Rochester – can be viewed on the CPAS website.
