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Information about religion in Canada

A parallel report for the U.S. is located elsewhere

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Quote:

"Generally, not only across Canada but the entire Western world, we're aware of a trend that says that institutionalized religion is not central to peoples' lives, as is individualized religion." 3 Rev. Harry Oussoren, executive minister of the United Church of Canada's Support to Local Ministries. 1

Overview:

Like the United States, Canada is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. South-eastern Ontario has been called the most religiously diverse region of any country in the world. A major contributor to this trend is the large number of immigrants to Canada who have settled in the Toronto, ON area.

Some trends in Canada:

	The percentage of Christians is in relatively rapid decline in Canada, dropping at about 0.9 percentage points per year. Although this is a miniscule drop over the course of a year, it amounts to almost 10% over a decade.
	Small non-Christian faith groups are increasing in number and popularity.
	The percentage of Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, secularists, and NOTAS -- persons who are not affilisted with any religious group -- is increasing rapidly.
	Many Canadians identify themselves as adherents of a specific religion, religious group, or denomination, but no longer attend religious services.

Topics covered in this section:

	2001 Census data on religion The next census dealing with religion will be performed in 2011 Detailed Christian data from the 2001 census Detailed non-Christian data from the 2001 census
	How Americans and Canadians differ religiously
	Same-sex marriage in Canada (a BIG section)
	Religious intolerance In Canada:
	Government treatment of religious charities
	The freedom of religious groups and individuals to discriminate
	Other topics: Importance of religion; denominational reaction; comments; Religious Freedom Office

Reference used:

1. Ferdy Baglo, "Canada's churches suffering serious decline. Researcher says membership losses pushing Canadian churches to brink of 'extinction'," Spero News, 2005-DEC-06, at: http://www.speroforum.com/.

Copyright © 1998 to 2013 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 1998-JUL-5
Last update: 2013-SEP-27
Author: B.A. Robinson

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