A THIRD of young evangelical Christians believe in living together with a partner before marriage.
The finding, in research to be published today, has shocked church leaders, who expected fewer than 10 per cent to support cohabitation. In total, 33 per cent of Christians aged 18 to 35 supported living together, compared with 82 per cent of non-Christians. The survey also shows that Christians in the 18-35 age group are the most rapidly declining age group among churchgoers. About 330,000 regularly attend services — one in ten of all churchgoers. Only the over-80s represent a smaller proportion.
The figures present church leaders with a dilemma. Either they emphasise biblical teaching on sexual morality, which risks driving even more young people away, or they compromise their traditional teaching, which may alienate the older generations.
One Church of England report has already recommended that the phrase “living in sin” should be abandoned.
The survey also found that more than one in ten young Christians had taken illegal drugs, smoked and drunk excessive amounts of alcohol. The same number said it was acceptable to steal small items, such as stationery from work. One third said it was sometimes necessary to tell a lie.
The Evangelical Alliance commissioned the survey to find out why so few young people were attending church.