from Christian Today
Rising numbers of baptisms, growing chapel attendance and greater demand for Bibles are pointing to increased openness to Christianity among military personnel.
A former Army lieutenant colonel has spoken of a “clear increase” in interest in faith among Britain’s Armed Forces amid reports of recruits seeking meaning and purpose in their lives.
Dr Martin Gliniecki, executive director of the Soldiers’ and Aviators’ Scripture Readers Association (SASRA), said its workers had encountered greater spiritual engagement both at training establishments and established barracks.
“What we have witnessed is a clear increase in interest about spirituality, faith and the Word,” he said.
Gliniecki’s observations follow recent figures from the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department suggesting that Christianity is attracting growing interest among young recruits.
Although the Army does not keep comprehensive official statistics on conversions, baptisms or confirmations, chaplains have reported increases at several training centres.
At Army Training Regiment Winchester, Gliniecki said 26 recruits were baptised or confirmed in October 2025, including 16 on a single Sunday.
“Over the last 18 months, many recruits have shown a real desire to seek meaning and purpose in their lives,” he said.
“The work of the chaplain and our Scripture Reader there, sharing the gospel, has been transformative.”
At the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, dozens of officer cadets have reportedly been baptised or confirmed, including 11 baptisms last October.