Faith
Faith Among Northern Irish Youth Shows Hope
Faith Facts
- Research reveals 30% of 18-24-year-olds in Northern Ireland have a positive attitude toward religion.
- Young adults are most likely to view the Catholic Church positively compared to other age groups.
- Over half of respondents consider themselves religious and/or spiritual.
A survey by The Iona Institute finds young people in Northern Ireland are increasingly open to religion, with only four percent holding a very negative view. This trend is seen as a welcome sign of faith’s enduring importance among the youth.
Seventeen percent of young respondents view the Catholic Church positively, reflecting a renewed openness within this generation. Religious identification in the broader sample is diverse, with 28 percent Catholic, 14 percent Presbyterian, and 11 percent belonging to the Church of Ireland.
“The fact that some kind of revival of interest in religion is occurring among the youngest age group surveyed should encourage all the Churches,”
said Iona Institute director David Quinn.
Most respondents identify as religious and/or spiritual, while 36 percent are religious ‘nones’. The poll challenges old perceptions, as many now do not align with traditional denominational divides.
Quinn highlights
“One big thing it shows is that the North cannot be thought of in Catholic versus Protestant terms anymore because now we have a lot of ‘nones’, that is people who don’t belong to any religion. They have a ‘plague on both your houses’ attitude.”
While the Troubles cast a long shadow, spiritual hunger remains alive among the younger generation.
Quinn added
“In the future, there will probably be fewer ‘cultural Christians’ around, that is, people who say they are Christian but don’t practice. Instead, society could be divided between those who believe in religion and those who don’t believe, with little in between, that is between the religious and the ‘nones’.”
Ultimately, faith continues to offer meaning in uncertain times.
This trend among Northern Irish youth reflects a growing desire for faith-based answers and signals hope for Christian revival. Stand firm in your faith and continue to encourage the next generation to seek truth, purpose, and grace rooted in God’s Word.
Faith
Faithful Journeys in France: Trials and Triumph
Faith Facts
- A missionary journey to France highlighted the faith and endurance required during unexpected challenges.
- Christian communities in France are reviving old monasteries and convents for ministry and education.
- Personal stories of perseverance underscored the importance of prayer, fellowship, and God’s provision.
Before dawn in Chartres, France, weary travelers navigated the medieval city’s sidewalk detours while seeking their rideshare to the airport. Street repairs and roadblocks made the journey difficult, but the sense of partnership and prayer offered encouragement.
“Hello, I am your driver,” the driver assured in a message, confirming arrival before a tense wait ended with successful pickup.
A friend’s suggestion led to this journey, focusing on churches restoring abandoned monasteries and spreading Christian outreach across France. Each visit testified to the persistence and hope within God’s family, despite language barriers and physical setbacks.
Acts of kindness from locals helped the travelers overcome obstacles, reminding them of how God provides through others. Personal challenges, such as illness and injury, were met with gratitude and faith that God opens doors and sustains His children during trials.
This trip showcased believers in France dedicating renewed spaces for ministry and learning. Even amidst the exhaustion of travel, the reassurance of God’s guidance brought comfort and strength.
“Please stay put,” the traveler requested, trusting language and intentions would be understood in a foreign land.
In every challenge, faith, prayer, and Christian fellowship reminded these travelers—and readers—how God works through perseverance and trust.
Read more about Christian journeys in France at Christian Chronicle.
Faith
European Parliament Prayer Breakfast Unites Christians
Faith Facts
- Over 550 Christian leaders and parliamentarians gathered for the 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels.
- The event emphasized prayer, fellowship, and unity, with each attendee praying the Lord’s Prayer in their native language.
- The European Evangelical Alliance facilitated sessions on Christian advocacy and biblical integrity, encouraging a courageous evangelical voice.
Christian parliamentarians and leaders from across Europe assembled in Brussels for the significant 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast, focusing on prayer, fellowship, and collaboration firmly rooted in biblical values. The event’s humble cafeteria setting brought believers together to seek God’s guidance for Europe amid today’s challenges.
“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” Janet Epp Buckingham shared.
The European Evangelical Alliance welcomed leaders from many countries, emphasizing unity in Christ and intentional networking for greater impact. Strategic discussions and prayer reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Christian witness and encouraging action for the common good.
The Prayer Breakfast continues the vision of Europe’s founding Christian leaders, prioritizing relationships and sacrificial love modeled after Christ’s teachings. Let us remain steadfast, praying for leaders to act with courage and biblical conviction as they serve Europe in these pivotal times.
Faith
Isaiah 41:10 Leads Global Scripture Surge
Faith Facts
- YouVersion named Isaiah 41:10 as its most engaged verse for the fourth time in six years.
- Global Bible Month in November drove record-breaking Bible engagement on the app.
- YouVersion’s Bible App family surpassed one billion installs, offering Scripture in more than 2,300 languages.
God’s Word is reaching hearts worldwide as millions turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance, especially amid anxious times. Isaiah 41:10’s enduring message of divine strength and presence continues to reassure believers across the globe.
“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone.”
Bobby Gruenewald, Founder and CEO of YouVersion.
YouVersion’s historic November marked the highest Bible engagement yet, with over 19 million people opening the app on a single day and a 19% increase in daily use compared to the previous year. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspired enduring habits of daily reading, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual truth.
On January 1, more than 3 million individuals subscribed to year-long Bible reading plans, while Holy Week sparked a surge in prayer creation and scripture sharing. Unusual patterns of increased weekly engagement from late August through November highlight a global movement of spiritual awakening.
“We’re witnessing a global movement.”
Bobby Gruenewald.
“People are hungry for what’s real and true… These numbers represent millions of changed lives.”
Bible engagement soared in every region, with remarkable rises in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America. Top search topics on the app included “love,” “anxiety,” and “peace.”
Each second this year, believers completed Bible Plan days and interacted with verse features in ways that reflect a thriving global Christian community. Anchored in faith, YouVersion continues to equip families to read God’s Word daily, promoting biblical values and unity across cultures.
Stay rooted in Scripture and help spread God’s truth by sharing this resource with your community.
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