Survey shows religious privilege out of step with younger Northern Ireland

New data from the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey shows that at least one in three young adults in Northern Ireland has no religion. This underlines the growing diversity of belief among younger people.

Northern Ireland Humanists said the figures show that public policy and civic life are out of step with an increasingly non-religious society, and must reflect the changing beliefs and values of modern Northern Ireland, especially among younger people.

The 2025 survey found that 33% of 18–24-year-olds and 40% of 25–34-year-olds say they belong to no religion. Across the population as a whole, 27% say they have no religion, compared with 34% Catholic and 39% Protestant or other Christian.

Commenting on the data, Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator said:

‘The data from the Life and Times survey shows just how much Northern Ireland is changing. Yet despite the fact that Northern Ireland’s young people are increasingly non-religious, too many of our institutions still act as though everyone fits neatly into one of two Christian traditions. That simply does not reflect the reality of Northern Ireland today.

‘Schools, public services, ceremonies, and civic life must recognise the full diversity of beliefs held by people here. That means treating non-religious people equally, ending outdated religious privilege, and building a society based on shared civic values rather than inherited green or orange labels.’