by Jorge Gomez • 5 minutes
We’re often told that younger generations are “losing their religion” as well as losing faith in the values on which America is built.
But that’s changing right before our eyes. Gen Z appears to be the driving force behind a seismic religious shift that’s unfolding across the country.
A prevalent religious storyline in recent decades has been the rise of the “nones”—those who say they have no religious affiliation. But the decline of Christianity and religion in America is leveling off, according to recent data and studies. Statistician and sociologist Ryan Burge noted the rise of religious “nones” hit a plateau in 2024.
That’s incredibly significant, suggesting something special is happening when it comes to religious freedom and expression. And it’s even more encouraging that Gen Z is at the center of it all.
The Economist reported that Gen Z is retaining its religious belief at higher rates than previous generations. It’s the only generation that’s not losing its religious affiliation. The New York Times also reported that young adults, particularly men, are going to church in increasing numbers.
As younger generations reembrace God, faith and religious expression, we have a tremendous opportunity to educate and equip them on how to protect the most important freedom of all: religious liberty.
The next generation will soon carry the great responsibility of preserving America’s heritage of religious freedom for all. That’s why First Liberty is investing in them—making sure they are prepared to defend our First Freedom wherever their future endeavors take them.
Our Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy recently held its annual Savannah Seminar. Through this week-long program, high-achieving young leaders have an opportunity hear, meet, network and learn from the best and brightest academic leaders.
The Savannah Seminar deepens students’ understanding of the foundational concepts America is built upon and prepares them to advance the cause of freedom as they enter into their careers, whether as lawyers, educators, public servants or any other field where God may call them.
To bring their training to life, our emerging leaders study in locations where American history was made. Every year, we take a group of students to the culturally diverse and historic city of Savannah, Georgia. Founded in 1733 as the British colonial capital of Georgia, Savannah was home to early American experiments in pluralism, religious liberty and civil society—making it a perfect venue where students can be fully immersed in history.
Here are several students sharing how the Savanna Seminar inspired and impacted them:
Mateo Guillamont, Florida International University
“I am immensely grateful to the First Liberty Initiative and the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy for inviting me to the Savannah Seminar – an invaluable experience.
In addition to being held in one of our nation’s most consequential and beautiful colonial cities, the Savannah Seminar was as spiritually moving as it was academically intriguing.
Our day would start with soul-raising morning prayers — a welcome change from the secularized conferences and events to which we have become accustomed. The Savannah Seminar beginning each day in prayer was a testament not only to the CRCD staff’s piety but also to the CRCD’s commitment that God must precede, and be at the center of, all our human endeavors.
Interwoven with inspiring preaching, morning prayers would seamlessly transition into lectures on salient topics in religion, culture, economics, and political affairs. Awe-inspiring sessions included discussions on morality and free markets, as well as natural law vis-à-vis the Constitution. Each day’s theoretical content was insightfully concluded with immersive visits to historic landmarks, museums, and religious sites. These visits helped us witness the rich culture and values that illustrious, God-fearing communities bequeath to later generations.
Thus, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to First Liberty Institute, CRCD, and all of their supporters for making the Savannah Seminar — a dream for any young Christian scholar — a reality for over a dozen of us. I know I do not speak for myself when I say that, thanks to the Savannah Seminar, I am evermore convinced of the need to defend the Judeo-Christian principles and ideals that our societies were originally built upon.”
Parker Briggs, Columbia University
“Spending a few days with the CRCD in Savannah taught me more about the country’s founding principles than years of political science classes at Columbia. Reflecting on these ideas in spiritual fellowship with such a bright, passionate group of students gave me great hope for the future of the conservative movement. Learning from scholars about issues so much of academia has forgotten has impressed upon me the urgency of protecting religious liberty in America.
The program left me with a vision of how, by looking to Natural Law, religious liberty and participation in civil society, we can return to the sacred ideals of the nation’s founders. It helped me see what needs to be done to shape culture to these founding ideals, and also how we can make this difference, with so much depending on the incredible work of First Liberty.
I left the program with a clear understanding of how essential personal faith and spiritual tradition are to the future of the conservative movement—a foundation I will hold close as I continue my education in law school.”
Lillyanne White, Hillsdale College
Attending the First Liberty CRCD Savannah Seminar was a privilege, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable scholars while being surrounded by like-minded peers.
Being in Savannah while learning about the religion, culture, and democracy that shaped America’s founding was incredibly informative, as we were able to not only learn from impressive academics but also go out and see those places and buildings that embodied different aspects of the American founding. This experience demonstrated how the Founders sought to create a free society where every individual would be able to participate in the government while endeavoring to become a flourishing human being.
Because of First Liberty and its mission, I was able to meet like-minded peers who aspire to serve this great nation, and it was a privilege to learn with them as well as from them. It is encouraging that many in the next generation of American citizens and leaders are committed to the ideals that constitute the United States.
The Savannah Seminar was an experience that will forever be beneficial in both my professional ambitions and private life, and I am so grateful to First Liberty and its supporters for this opportunity.
Reclaiming the Culture by Training Tomorrow’s Leaders
To keep advancing religious freedom, the torch must be passed from one generation to the next.
Our Savannah Seminar—and all the top-notch educational programs offered through the CRCD—are crucial initiatives. This is how we’re actively making sure that tomorrow’s lawyers, teachers, CEOs, politicians, and influencers know the value of religious freedom and are equipped to defend it.
“There’s tremendous hope for America’s future leaders,” says First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford. “When I share with young leaders about First Liberty’s work and the impact our organization is having, many of them tell me they are inspired to make a positive impact for religious freedom in their careers and studies.”
“I’m filled with optimism,” he adds. “This is a generation of leaders filled with a passion for their faith, as well as for freedom, the rule of law and the Constitution.”
Developing a new generation of bold religious freedom advocates is how we can continue winning not just in the courtroom, but also in our culture. Empowering them is one of the best investments we can make for America’s future.
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