Christianity is the most prevalent religion in Canada, though its profile is shifting from a dominant social majority toward a diverse minority. For the first time since Confederation, recent surveys and 2025 data indicate that Christians may no longer comprise a majority of the population, with affiliation dropping to approximately 42–44%.
Demographics and Major Denominations
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census, 53.3% of Canadians identified as Christian, a significant decline from 90% in 1971.
- Catholicism: Remains the largest single denomination, representing 29.9% of the population (approx. 10.8 million people).
- Protestantism: Includes several major branches:
- United Church of Canada: The largest Protestant denomination (3.3%).
- Anglican Church of Canada: 3.1% of the population.
- Others: Baptists (1.2%), Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Pentecostals (each less than 2%).
- Christian Orthodox: Accounts for 1.7% of the population.
Regional and Cultural Trends
- Quebec: Historically deeply Catholic, the province underwent a “Quiet Revolution” in the 1960s that led to widespread secularization. Today, many Quebecois maintain a Catholic identity as part of their cultural heritage rather than through active religious practice.
- Immigration: Christianity continues to be bolstered by immigration from Africa, Asia, and South America, which brings more “enthusiastic” and younger believers to Canadian congregations.
- Indigenous Communities: Many Indigenous people were converted to Christianity (sometimes forcibly through the Residential School system), but there is a contemporary revival of traditional Indigenous spirituality alongside Christian practice.
Current State of Practice
- Declining Attendance: Only about 10% of Canadians attend religious services weekly.
- Rise of the “Nones”: Roughly 34.6% of Canadians now identify as having no religious affiliation.
- Emerging Trends: Interestingly, 2025 reports suggest a slight increase in church attendance and adult baptisms among Gen Z and immigrant backgrounds, particularly within the Catholic Church.
Christianity’s legal status is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of conscience and religion for all.
Links for further overview of CANADA:
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