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Christianity in Canada
For centuries before the invasion and conquest by Europeans of what is today known as Canada, the vast territory was inhabited by many native tribes. The Indians of Canada exhibited a significant variation of religious belief and practice, from the Huron and Algonquin in the east to the Blackfoot of the plains, to the Eskimo of the Arctic reaches, to the Kwakiutl and the other tribes of British Columbia known so widely for their totem poles.
The relatively peaceful nature of the long-term relationship between the Canadian government and the Indian tribes allowed for the development of Christian missions and the conversion of the majority of Indians to Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the churches now comprising the United Church of Canada all developed strong missions, especially in western Canada. On the other hand, traditional Indian religions have survived and can be found among tribes in all sections of the country.
Canada is a religiously diverse and Secular Country. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs and customs. The largest faith in Canada is Christianity. About half of Canada’s population (53.3%), reported that they were affiliated with a Christian religion.
Also, read about the Population of Canada
Source: Canada Census 2021
Christian Affiliations in Canada
As per Canadian Census 2021, about half of Canada’s population (53.3%), reported that they were affiliated with a Christian religion. Roughly 19,373,325 people or half of Canada’s population follow Christianity.
Roman Catholics were the largest Christian religious group in 2021. About 10,880,360 or 38.78% of people identified themselves as Roman Catholic. Its followed by the various branches of Protestantism and collectively followed by 4,138,780 adherents or 11.7% of the Canadian population.
Next comes the Orthodox Christians at 1.7%, Jehovah’s Witness (0.4%), Latter Day Saints (0.2%), and various other non specified Christians.
| Christian Affiliations | Population 2021 | Percentage |
| Catholic | 10,880,360 | 29.9% |
| Protestants | 4,138,780 | 11.7% |
| Christian Orthodox | 623,010 | 1.7% |
| Jehovah’s Witness | 137,255 | 0.4% |
| Latter Day Saints | 87,725 | 0.2% |
| Other Christian and Christian-related traditions | 3,506,410 | 9.7% |
| Total | 19,373,325 | 53.3 |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Christianity in Canada
Protestantism in Canada
As per Canadian Census 2021 the various branches of Protestantism and collectively followed by 4,138,780 adherents or 11.7% of the Canadian population. United Church is the largest and it has 1,214,185 adherents or 3.3% of the Canadian population.
| Protestants denominations | Population 2021 | Percentage |
| United Church | 1,214,185 | 3.3% |
| Anglican | 1,134,315 | 3.1% |
| Baptist | 436,940 | 1.2% |
| Pentecostal and other Charismatic | 399,025 | 1.1% |
| Lutheran | 328,045 | 0.9% |
| Presbyterian | 301,400 | 0.8% |
| Anabaptist | 144,145 | 0.4% |
| Methodist and Wesleyan (Holiness) | 100,655 | 0.3% |
| Reformed | 79,870 | 0.2% |
| Total Protestants | 4,138,580 | 11.3% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Christianity in Canada
Catholicism in Canada
The Catholic Church in Canada has the largest number of adherents to religion in Canada. With 29.4% of Canadians (10.8 million) being adherents according to the census in 2021. There are 73 dioceses and about 7,000 priests in Canada.
It was the first European faith in what is now Canada, arriving in 1497 when John Cabot landed on Newfoundland. Among the Candian Provinces, Quebec has the highest percentage of Catholics followed by New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Source: Canada Census 2021
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