1960s and after Religion in Canada

inauguration of united church @ mutual street arena, toronto, on june 10, 1925

english canada underwent secularization. united church of canada, country s largest protestant denomination, became 1 of liberal major protestant churches in world. flatt argues in 1960s canada s rapid cultural changes led united church end evangelical programs , change identity. made revolutionary changes in evangelistic campaigns, educational programs, moral stances, , theological image. however, membership declined sharply united church affirmed commitment gay rights including marriage , ordination, , ordination of women.

in 1971, canada 47% catholic, 41% protestant, 4% other religion , 4% unaffilliated.

meanwhile, strong current of evangelical protestantism emerged. largest groups found in atlantic provinces , western canada, particularly in alberta, southern manitoba , southern interior , fraser valley region of british columbia, known canadian bible belt , parts of ontario outside greater toronto area. social environment more conservative, more in line of midwestern , southern united states, , same-sex marriage, abortion, , common-law relationships less accepted. movement has grown sharply after 1960. evangelicals increasingly influence public policy. nevertheless, overall proportion of evangelicals in canada remains considerably lower in united states , polarization less intense. there few evangelicals in quebec , in largest urban areas, secular, although there several congregations above 1000 members in large cities.