National Prayer Breakfast

God and Society: Belief in God in 21st Century Britain

It has been more than a century since Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed the death of God. Throughout the first half of the 20th Century it was also argued that the rise of modernity would go hand in hand with the decline of religion. However, at the beginning of the 21st century the sociologists are revising their theories – across the world, religious faith is seeing explosive growth. However, the picture in the UK is a more complex one. While recent surveys report that traditional religious faith is declining, a recent Theos think-tank report reveals that the proportion of people who are consistently non-religious is very low, at 9%. Furthermore, 35% of the people who describe themselves as “never participating in a religious service”, at the same time express a belief in God or a Higher Power.

These significant social changes are the context for the theme of this year’s event: ‘God and Society: Belief in God in 21st Century Britain’. We are delighted that our main speaker this year will be Professor John Lennox and he will be examining the rationality of belief in God in our modern society. As well as being a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, John has debated with some of the world’s leading atheists in recent years, such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Peter Singer. 

The Breakfast will also include contributions from members of both Houses of Parliament, a range of seminars in line with our theme, the opportunity to be taken on a tour of the Palace of Westminster, as well as to attend evensong and a tour of Westminster Abbey on the evening before.

We advise you to book early as the event always books to capacity.