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The Next Generation of Faith: Journeys, Meaning & Wellbeing

7 Nov, 2025

The Next Generation of Faith: Journeys, Meaning and Wellbeing

  • When: 13th November, Thursday
  • Time: 1:00-1:30pm UK / 8am ET
  • Zoom: Register here

Join the UK Faith@Work network Thursday, 13th Nov. for a fascinating presentation of the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life’s latest report, The Next Generation of Faith: Journeys, Meaning and Wellbeing.

The study reveals a profound generational shift in how faith is experienced and understood in Britain. Among 18–34-year-olds, faith is increasingly seen not as a social inheritance but as a personal journey tied to emotional and mental wellbeing. This contrasts with older generations who continue to view faith as a stable, inherited framework for life. The report highlights how younger adults are more likely to engage with faith through digital platforms, seek personal transformation, and leave religious communities when they feel unsupported—signaling a more autonomous and emotionally driven approach to spirituality.

The report, authored by Rania Mohiuddin-Agir, draws on extensive survey data and offers a nuanced portrait of a generation reimagining faith on its own terms. It underscores the need for religious institutions and communities to adapt—not only to the digital habits of younger people but also to their emotional and existential needs.


*Rania Mohiuddin-Agir is very passionate about gaining a better understanding of civic participation and community dynamics. She has completed a BA in International Relations from King’s College London, and an MSc in Sociology and Global Change from the University of Edinburgh. Committed to empowering inclusive communities, she contributes to social change through her research and advocacy.

Invitation: Global Employee Resource Group Survey

6 Nov, 2025

Your Voice Matters – Join the Radius Global ERG Impact Survey

We’re excited to invite all Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) members across the globe to contribute to a groundbreaking initiative: the 2026 Radius Global ERG Impact Report. In partnership with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, Radius Networks is gathering insights from ERGs, networks, and communities worldwide to showcase how they’re shaping the future of work through inclusion, innovation, and cultural transformation.

As organizations increasingly invest in ERGs, the impact of these groups is being recognized by leading employers everywhere. Building on the success of last year’s report—which featured over 600 organizations including Tesco, BBC, Siemens, Virgin O2 Media, and Standard Chartered—this year’s study will highlight fresh data and stories from some of the world’s most inclusive workplaces.

We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes by completing the short survey below:

👉 Take the Survey

https://radius-networks.org/global-erg-impact-report-survey/Your insights will help shape a global understanding of how ERGs influence people strategies, foster belonging, and drive meaningful change. As a participant, you’ll be among the first to receive the 2026 report and have the opportunity to join our global launch events.

If you’d like to register your interest, please email: support@radius-networks.org.

Feel free to share this invitation with your wider ERG network. Together, we can amplify the voice and impact of ERGs around the world. You can see the 2025 report here.

Thank you for being part of this movement.

How Young Adults in Britain Are Redefining Religion

6 Nov, 2025

The Next Generation of Faith: A Paradigm Shift

The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life’s latest report, The Next Generation of Faith: Journeys, Meaning and Wellbeing, reveals a profound generational shift in how faith is experienced and understood in Britain. Among 18–34-year-olds, faith is increasingly seen not as a social inheritance but as a personal journey tied to emotional and mental wellbeing. This contrasts with older generations who continue to view faith as a stable, inherited framework for life. The report highlights how younger adults are more likely to engage with faith through digital platforms, seek personal transformation, and leave religious communities when they feel unsupported—signaling a more autonomous and emotionally driven approach to spirituality.

The report, authored by Rania Mohiuddin-Agir, draws on extensive survey data and offers a nuanced portrait of a generation reimagining faith on its own terms. It underscores the need for religious institutions and communities to adapt—not only to the digital habits of younger people but also to their emotional and existential needs.


Key Findings

In a time of rapid cultural and societal change, the role of faith in personal and communal life is undergoing a transformation—especially among younger generations. A new study released this week explores how Britons aged 18–34 are reshaping the meaning and purpose of religious belief.

The report finds that younger adults are increasingly approaching faith not as a tradition passed down through family or community, but as a personal tool for emotional resilience and mental health. This marks a significant departure from older generations, who tend to view faith as a source of stability and a lens through which to interpret the world. For older adults, faith remains a holistic and inherited worldview; for younger people, it is more fragmented, individualized, and therapeutic.

Among the most common reasons cited by 18–24-year-olds for entering or deepening their faith are a personal connection with the divine, a search for meaning and moral clarity, and a desire for healing or transformation. Mental health emerges as a central theme, with 27% of young adults identifying it as a key part of their faith journey. Notably, over half of those who linked faith to mental health reported a deepening of their spiritual life.

Digital engagement plays a powerful role in this shift. Individuals who primarily engage with religion through social media are overwhelmingly more likely to come into faith than to leave it. However, the report also shows that young people raised in religious households or exposed to faith through school are more likely to experience weakened belief or become atheist—suggesting that institutional or inherited forms of religion may not resonate as strongly with this age group.

The study also highlights the importance of community support. A lack of belonging or emotional support is a major factor driving young adults away from faith, with 18–34-year-olds more than twice as likely as older adults to cite this as a reason for leaving. This reflects a broader trend of increased personal agency among younger believers, who are less willing to compromise on negative experiences within religious communities.

Interestingly, while faith is often seen as a source of moral guidance, younger adults are less likely to find answers to global injustice or suffering through religion. In fact, among those who perceive the world as increasingly unfair, a significant majority move away from faith. This suggests that traditional religious narratives may be losing their explanatory power for younger generations grappling with complex global issues.

In sum, The Next Generation of Faith reveals a paradigm shift: faith is no longer primarily about tradition or doctrine, but about personal meaning, mental wellbeing, and emotional support. As Britain’s youth continue to navigate an uncertain world, their spiritual journeys are becoming more introspective, intentional, and deeply tied to their inner lives.

You can read the full report here.

The Possibilities & Challenges of AI for FoRB

28 Oct, 2025

In Parliament tonight we held a a discussion exploring the possibilities and challenges of AI for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) on 28th October 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm.

Presentations from business experts and FoRB practitioners involved with AI initiatives set the stage for a lively and informed discussion.

The event is organised by the APPG FoRB, The FoRB Foundation, Faith@Work UK, and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, which is an official stakeholder in APPG FoRB.

How AI Can Promote Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB):

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant potential to advance freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) by enhancing access to information, fostering interfaith dialogue, and identifying early signs of religious discrimination. AI-powered translation tools can break down language barriers, enabling people from diverse religious backgrounds to access sacred texts, teachings, and interfaith resources in their native languages. Social media algorithms, when responsibly designed, can amplify voices promoting religious tolerance and understanding, helping to counter misinformation and stereotypes. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze large datasets to detect patterns of religious persecution or discrimination, providing early warnings to human rights organizations and policymakers.

Moreover, AI can support religious communities in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage. Through digitization and machine learning, sacred texts, oral traditions, and historical artifacts can be archived and made accessible to future generations. AI-driven platforms can also facilitate respectful interreligious engagement by curating content that highlights shared values and fosters empathy. In educational settings, AI can personalize learning experiences that include diverse religious perspectives, promoting mutual respect and understanding from a young age. When developed and deployed ethically, AI can be a powerful ally in building inclusive societies that uphold the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

How AI Can Harm or Endanger Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB):

Despite its potential, AI also poses serious risks to FoRB if misused or poorly regulated. One major concern is the use of AI for surveillance and profiling, particularly by authoritarian regimes. Facial recognition and data-mining technologies can be employed to monitor religious gatherings, track individuals based on religious affiliation, and suppress dissent. Such practices can lead to targeted harassment, arrests, or even violence against religious minorities. Moreover, biased algorithms—trained on skewed or discriminatory data—can reinforce existing prejudices, leading to unfair treatment in areas like employment, law enforcement, or access to services.

AI-driven content moderation systems also risk inadvertently censoring religious expression. Automated filters may misinterpret religious language, symbols, or rituals as hate speech or misinformation, disproportionately silencing certain faith communities. Furthermore, the opaque nature of many AI systems makes it difficult to hold developers or institutions accountable for discriminatory outcomes. Without robust ethical frameworks, transparency, and inclusive design processes, AI could exacerbate religious intolerance and deepen societal divisions. Safeguarding FoRB in the age of AI requires vigilant oversight, inclusive policymaking, and a commitment to human rights at every stage of technological development.


The run of show was as follows:
    • 6:30-6:35 Welcome, Jim Shannon MP
    • 6:35-6:42 Overview of the Possibilities & Challenges of AI for FoRB, Brian Grim
    • 6:42-6:49 Briefing by Will Jones on Work of FLI
    • 6:49-6:56 Briefing on the practical application of AI in a global FoRB initiative, Matthew Jones
    • 6:56-7:03 Discussion of AI and Faith issues by Ihab El Ghazzawi
    • 7:03-7:10 Panelists respond to or offer questions to each other, Julie Jones APPG FoRB
    • 7:10-7:30 Q and A

Dr. Brian J. Grim is a globally recognized expert on the socio-economic impact of religious freedom. He is the Founding President of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation (RFBF) and serves as the Global Chair of Dare to Overcome, an initiative that fosters mutual respect and engagement among diverse faith-and-belief groups in workplaces worldwide. With a Ph.D. in quantitative sociology from Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Grim has authored numerous academic articles and books. His pioneering work at the Pew Research Center led to the development of global indexes measuring Government Restrictions on Religion (GRI) and Social Hostilities Involving Religion (SHI), which are now key tools for monitoring religious freedom worldwide.

William Jones is a Futures Program Associate at the Future of Life Institute (FLI), an independent non-profit working to steer transformative technologies away from large-scale, extreme risks and towards the benefit of all life. The Futures Program aims to guide humanity towards the beneficial outcomes made possible by transformative technologies. Will leads FLI’s work with religious groups, amplifying faith perspectives on AI issues and opportunities and supporting religious initiatives to engage more with AI development, governance and discourse.

Matthew Jones is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in charity management, real estate development, and training. As Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of The FoRB Foundation, he is deeply committed to promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Since 2022, he has spearheaded strategic planning and program development, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to support vulnerable populations and advance social change.

Ihab El Ghazzawi has more than 30 years of successful experience in the IT industry, specializing in building and leading cross functional, global teams and having a direct impact on profitable growth. With his team, he delivers real business benefits that impact our customers and partners. I have a credible track record in managing customer relationships, business development, product and partner development, strategy, operations and global field force enablement. His areas of expertise include innovation, GenAI/AI/ML, Con.nected CIO, Multicloud, Emerging Technologies & Thought Leadership, Edge, IOT solutions, among others.

A Vatican Office You Might Not Have Heard About

20 Oct, 2025

By Brian Grim

Imagine an office at The Vatican charged with promoting among socially motivated professional and business leaders the teaching of the church regarding the dignity of workers and other business related principles! It’s right in the same central building as houses the Secretariate of State and the Papal apartment, where I’m standing with Oliver Galea (C), Secretary General at Fondazione Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice, and Cristi Buceceanu (R), moderator for Consulus in Europe.

Fondazione Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice was established in 1993 by St. John Paul II to promote the teachings from his 1991 encyclical, Centesimus Annus, which updated the 1891 encyclical by Pope Leo XIII responding to the new challenges of the Industrial Revolution.

And now the new Pope, who chose as his name Pope Leo XIV, as a signal that he is carrying on the church’s response to the AI Revolution, which is defining a whole new era of humanity’s relationship to work and the economy.

My colleague, Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus, will speak at their annual convention on Friday, and explore ways we can support the work of this unique Vatican Foundation.

Spiritual values reinforce corporate values & catalyze transformation

3 Oct, 2025

Join the UK Faith@Work network for a fascinating discussion of brand new research into how spiritual values not only can inform and reinforce corporate values but also can transform society.

Get a sneak peek from Brian Grim PhD into the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s new comparative study on how spiritual values relate to the differing core values of the world’s most valuable companies in Europe, the U.S., Asia and China.

Also, Dilwar Hussain MBE will provide an overview of the findings of a new study — Virtues of Faith: Survey Findings — conducted by the Good Faith Partnership (GFP) in collaboration with the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham. The survey sought 500 quantitative responses from members of the public in the UK, of six distinct backgrounds: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Humanism / no religion.

When? Thursday, 9th October, 1pm UK (8am ET), via zoom. Register today!

Religious Freedom for All: A Strategic Asset for Peace & Prosperity

1 Oct, 2025

A Safeguard Against Misuse of Religion

In today’s world — marked by war, political instability, and technological upheaval — religious freedom for all (including for those without a religion) is more vital than ever. It ensures that multiple moral voices can speak into complex issues, offering wisdom, compassion, and ethical guidance. It promotes peace by fostering mutual respect, and it drives prosperity by unlocking the full potential of every individual, regardless of belief.

Religious freedom is a foundational pillar of thriving societies. It allows individuals to live according to their deepest convictions while contributing to the common good. When protected, it fosters pluralism, encourages ethical leadership, and helps prevent the misuse of religion for political or ideological gain.

Ultimately, religious freedom is not just a human right — it is a strategic asset for building resilient and flourishing societies. Read more for global examples.

Author: Brian Grim

New Business Membership Resource from Interfaith America

1 Oct, 2025

Interfaith America is launching RISE (Religious Inclusion, Skill-building & Engagement), an annual learning journey for corporate and health care partners seeking to advance a culture of religious inclusion at their institutions.

Benefits include quarterly Community of Practice meetings, curated digital resources, quarterly email digests, exclusive introduction to the 2026 Faith-Friendly Workplace “REDI” Index, and ongoing connections and conversations through the “Religious Inclusion & Collaboration in the Workplace” LinkedIn group. Organizational members also get access to exclusive trainings and strategy sessions with IA staff. Applications are open until Friday, October 3, and the launch date is October 16.

Religious Freedom: A Cornerstone of Peace and Prosperity

1 Oct, 2025

By Brian Grim

A Safeguard Against Misuse

Religious freedom for all (including for those without a religion) is a foundational pillar of thriving societies. It allows individuals to live according to their deepest convictions while contributing to the common good. When protected, it fosters pluralism, encourages ethical leadership, and helps prevent the misuse of religion for political or ideological gain.

Throughout history, nations that have upheld religious freedom have often experienced greater peace and prosperity. Consider these global examples:

  • – The United States, founded on principles of religious liberty, became a magnet for immigrants seeking refuge from persecution. This diversity of faith traditions enriched American civic life and fueled innovation, entrepreneurship, and social reform. Religious freedom helped ensure that no single group could dominate the moral discourse, allowing for a vibrant marketplace of ideas.
  • – Post-war Germany rebuilt its democratic institutions with strong protections for religious freedom, learning from the catastrophic consequences of religious and ethnic persecution under the Nazi regime. These protections have helped foster reconciliation, social cohesion, and a robust civil society.
  • – India, despite its challenges, has long been home to a tapestry of religions. Its constitutional commitment to religious freedom has enabled interfaith dialogue and coexistence, even amid tensions. Where upheld, this freedom has supported democratic resilience and economic dynamism.
  • – The Netherlands in the 17th century became a haven for religious refugees, including Jews, Huguenots, and dissenting Christians. This openness not only reduced sectarian conflict but also helped the Dutch Republic become a center of commerce, science, and intellectual exchange during its Golden Age.
  • – South Korea, after decades of authoritarian rule, embraced democratic reforms in the late 20th century that included protections for religious freedom. Today, it is home to vibrant religious communities—Christian, Buddhist, and others—that contribute to civil society, education, and humanitarian work. Religious freedom has helped fuel South Korea’s rapid economic development and social innovation.
  • – Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has long upheld religious freedom as part of its inclusive governance model. This respect for diversity has contributed to peaceful coexistence among faith groups and supported the country’s steady economic growth and democratic resilience.
  • – Singapore, despite its strict regulatory environment, has made religious harmony a national priority. Through interfaith councils and legal protections, it has cultivated a society where multiple religions coexist peacefully. This stability has been key to Singapore’s emergence as a global financial and cultural hub.
  • – Brazil, with its constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, has seen faith-based organizations play a major role in addressing poverty, education, and healthcare. The country’s religious diversity—Catholic, Evangelical, Afro-Brazilian, and others—has enriched its cultural life and supported grassroots development.

By contrast, where religious freedom is denied, societies often suffer. Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya, China’s repression of Uyghur Muslims, and Iran’s restrictions on religious minorities illustrate how the suppression of religious liberty leads to human rights abuses, social unrest, and international condemnation.

Religious freedom also acts as a check against the hijacking of religion. In pluralistic societies, no single group can monopolize spiritual authority or use it to marginalize others. Open dialogue and accountability help preserve the integrity of religious traditions and prevent their exploitation for political gain.

In today’s world—marked by war, political instability, and technological upheaval—religious freedom is more vital than ever. It ensures that multiple moral voices can speak into complex issues, offering wisdom, compassion, and ethical guidance. It promotes peace by fostering mutual respect, and it drives prosperity by unlocking the full potential of every individual, regardless of belief.

Ultimately, religious freedom is not just a human right—it is a strategic asset for building inclusive, resilient, and flourishing societies.

Russell M. Nelson: Global Faith Leader, Medical Pioneer, Builder of Religious Freedom

30 Sep, 2025

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints smiles while having lunch with local dignitaries in Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Creative Commons.

In Memory: President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025)

President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their revered prophet, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. A man of science and spirit, President Nelson leaves behind a legacy of profound transformation, global outreach, religious freedom, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, President Nelson was a world-renowned heart surgeon before being called to full-time Church service in 1984 as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 2018, he became the 17th president of the Church, guiding more than 17 million members worldwide through a period of remarkable growth and spiritual renewal.

A Legacy of Religious Freedom and Interfaith Respect

President Nelson was a tireless advocate for religious liberty, emphasizing that the right to worship freely is not only a civil right but a sacred duty. Under his leadership, the Church expanded its humanitarian efforts, strengthened interfaith partnerships, and supported legislation that balanced religious freedom with human dignity.

His commitment was rooted in the Church’s 11th Article of Faith, which declares:

“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

This principle guided the Church’s global engagement, including its support for faith-friendly workplaces, interreligious dialogue, and the protection of minority faiths.

A Personal Tribute

Dr. Brian Grim, founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and a practicing Roman Catholic, shared a personal reflection on President Nelson’s powerful influence:

“I remember when President Nelson invited me to address the Area Committee, a gathering of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Bishopric. I spoke of the work we’re doing—how businesses and leaders are embracing interfaith understanding and religious freedom through a variety of ways including faith-friendly workplaces. It was a moment of profound affirmation, not just of the mission, but of the spirit behind it.

His thank-you letter, gracious and heartfelt, humble and hopeful, remains one of my most cherished possessions. In it, I felt not just gratitude, but a quiet echo of divine encouragement.”

A Prophet of Peace and Progress

President Nelson’s ministry was marked by bold reforms, including a renewed emphasis on the name of the Church, a restructuring of worship practices, and the announcement of hundreds of new temples. He received the inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and religious harmony.

His teachings, travels, and tireless service touched millions across continents and cultures. He will be remembered not only as a prophet but as a bridge-builder, a healer, and a man whose life bore witness to the power of faith in action.

President Nelson is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and millions of members who considered him a spiritual father.