Religion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups and beliefs.[2] The majority of Canadians are Christians, with the Catholic Church having the most adherents. Christians, representing 67% of the population, are followed by people with no religion with 24%.[1] Islam is the second largest religion in Canada, practised by 3.2% of the population.[3] Rates of religious adherence are steadily decreasing.[4][5] The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms refers to God and the monarch carries the title of "Defender of the Faith". However, Canada has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism and freedom of religion is an important part of Canada's political culture.[6][7]
Before the European colonization Aboriginal religions were largely animistic, including an intense reverence for spirits and nature.[8] The French colonization beginning in the 17th century established a Roman Catholic francophone population in Acadia and in New France later Lower Canada, now Nova Scotia and Quebec. It has been followed by a British colonization that brought Anglicans and other Protestants to Upper Canada, now Ontario.
With Christianity in decline after having once been central and integral to Canadian culture and daily life,[9] Canada has become a post-Christian, secular state.[10][11][12] The majority of Canadians consider religion to be unimportant in their daily lives, but still believe in God.[13] The practice of religion is now generally considered a private matter throughout society and the state.[14]