During 2019, there were a total of 740 baptisms and 10 thanksgivings conducted in all Church of England cathedrals. This means that there has been a decrease of 10% in the number of baptisms over the last decade. The data shows a high point for number of baptisms in 2017, followed by a sharper decline.
For 2019, baptisms and thanksgivings were split into four categories: infants under one year, children aged 1 to 4 years, children aged 5-10 years (previously 5-12 years), young people aged 11-17 years and 18+ years adults (previously youth/adult/13+ years)
Alongside the overall decrease, there has been a decrease of 42% in infant baptisms (children aged under 1 year) from 380 in 2009 to 220 in 2019. In 2019, infants under one year accounted for 30% of all baptisms, while children aged 1- 4 years accounted for 18%, children aged 5 – 10 years accounted for 8%. Young people (11 – 17 years) accounted for 10% and adults (18+ years) accounted for 34% of baptisms.
