Rehabilitated Returners: Why Some Older Women Re-affiliate to the Christian Church

Abstract

Much has been written about the persistent and rapid decline of churchgoing among all sections of the British population, women as well as men, although women still constitute the majority in most congregations (Brierley 2003; 2006; Brown 2001; 2006; 2010; Bruce 2002; Crockett & Voas 2006; Heelas & Woodhead 2005; McLeod 2007). Rather less attention has been paid in Britain to returning to churchgoing. The article considers the cases of a small group of women, aged 40 and upwards, part of a larger study, most of whom have returned to church after a considerable absence, and the reasons they give for their return. Five newer approaches to the study of religiosity are then briefly introduced, the better to explain and analyse the forms taken by this particular renewed commitment within the Christian church in Britain today.