The Church of England
Low volume week; long-run secularisation trends remain the dominant background factor.
Provisional indicator only · Does not change the formal rating
Current standing
Long-run decline in affiliation and attendance has continued. Residual establishment role and soft power via the Anglican Communion remain, but core vitality metrics point to clear impairment.
25-year trajectory
- •Affiliation and weekly attendance have fallen substantially since 2000.
- •‘No religion’ is now dominant among younger cohorts.
- •Establishment links and Communion role provide residual standing.
Visual comparison
The Church of England vs international peers
2000 baseline (left) vs 2026 formal (right) · Higher bar = stronger rating
Five pillars (formal assessment)
Public Trust & Respect
DeterioratingCultural residual respect exists alongside declining active identification.
Performance & Effectiveness
DeterioratingCore participation and vitality metrics have declined over decades.
Financial / Operational Sustainability
DeterioratingParish system and finances remain under strain from declining giving and rising costs.
International Standing
StableMother church of the Anglican Communion; soft-power links persist.
Shock Absorption & Adaptive Capacity
DeterioratingAdaptive efforts have not reversed the secularisation trend.
International peers
Formal ratings only · 2000 baseline → 2026 current · No weekly signals
| Institution | Country | 2000 | 2026 | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church of Sweden | Sweden | A | BBB+ | Negative |
| Church of Norway | Norway | A | BBB+ | Negative |
| Church of Denmark | Denmark | A | BBB+ | Negative |
| Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) | Germany | A– | BBB | Negative |
| Church of Scotland | Scotland | A– | BB+ | Negative |
| Other Nordic established churches | Nordic | A– | BBB | Negative |