Burning down the house research

In 2020 We Are Tearfund and Youthscape surveyed 630 young Christians from the UK. They asked 14-19 year olds about their thoughts on the climate, the church and their faith.

Their report ‘Burning the House Down’ was published earlier this month. This was the largest ever survey of young British Christians’ thoughts and feelings about climate change and their faith.

It found that Christian teenagers see justice as an important part of their faith and that climate change disproportionately affects poor people, people of colour, women and minority groups.

Young people saw their activism as a response to the call to love others as God has loved us. As well as motivating their climate activism, young people also said that their faith sustains it, giving them hope and a long-term vision. In turn, their activism was shaping their faith.

Young people had three basic messages for their churches:

1. We need change
2. Climate activism is fundamental to our faith
3. The Church should be leading the way

What can churches do?

Young people want the adults in their churches to support them to respond practically to climate change. This practical action is more important to them than teaching about climate change, prayer, or emotional support for climate anxiety – though many welcome these forms of support too.

More information:

• We are Tearfund website 
• Link to request the research as well as monthly updates and resources
• Read the report  
• Young Christian Climate Network

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash