Millennials in church

SIR – Madeline Grant’s column (Comment, February 23) about millennial atheists attending church resonated with me.

As a teenager I enjoyed studying the Gospels and the history of the Bible, but found the idea of going to church ridiculous. Now, however, at the age of 30, I am getting married in my local church in April. I did my own research into the readings that I wanted, which led me to take an interest in the Gospels again. This, in turn, sparked my interest in church attendance, and I made it one of my New Year’s resolutions to go a few times a month.

I have found it really enjoyable. I love hearing the sermons and singing hymns. The great thing about churches is that there is always one nearby, and they are always welcoming. I miss it when I cannot go.

Hannah Evison

Lincoln

SIR – I’m happy for Madeline Grant that attending Sunday Mass has had a positive effect on her life, but there are many ways for millennial atheists to lift themselves from social isolation and build a sense of belonging.

Clubs and societies are a wonderful opportunity to meet new people: book clubs, running societies, dog walking groups. Joining a gym allowed my brother to get out and about, and voluntary work helped me find my equilibrium. I’ve been at the same charity shop for nearly nine years.

However, I won’t give church a whirl for the same reason I won’t give my local mosque or synagogue a whirl: I can’t support something I don’t believe in.

Emilie Lamplough

Trowbridge, Wiltshire