Wasn't sure which part of the forum to put this on but here seems as good as any place.

Can someone tell me if Canadian's are as obsessed with religion as the American's appear to be. I strongly believe that people are entitled to their own religious beliefs but do not personally subscribe to the 'believe in god and go to church' ethic. People I know who have lived in the USA tell me that attending church was a big thing in the communities they lived in and that those who did not attend church simply did not fit in.

If Religion is an issue, is it restricted to smaller communities or does it include the larger cities like Calgary? There are enough obstacles to overcome when emigrating as it is and it would be nice if this was just something that has come to mind that really needs no further consideration.

John

Hi John,

There's an interesting article on the website: www.religioustolerance.org

It compares church attendance in the US with Canada. It supports what I thought: that a lot less Canadians attend church regularly than Americans.

Attend at least weekly: US:43% Canada:20%
Never/almost never attend: US:8% Canada: 38%

We've travelled extensively in the US, and were so surprised to see so many mega-churches there. (With their mega-carparks). You don't see that to the same extent in BC. Although, churches seem better attended than they do in the UK.

We are not church attenders. This hasn't been a problem with integrating into our community. The overall view seems to be that Sundays are for getting on your quad, zooming up the lake to reach the cabin, or doing manly things with chainsaws.

It seems that Canadians are culturally very different from Americans, and church attendance is just another difference.

That's my two-penneth-worth!

Sarah

I have noticed that many of the churches car parks are often full on a sunday and I know quite a few people in my community that go to church, but then I know some that dont and have same views as me, like anywhere. I have not found it to be a problem.

I can state unequivocably that what you say about the States is VERY true and it is NOT like that in Canada at all.
Yes there are a few communites such as Abbotsford in BC where there is a large evagelical Christian communtiy but even there church does nt dominate the culture as it does in many towns in the Staes.
Canadians are much more quiet about their religion and their politics. It is one HUGE difference between our countries You have nothing to worry about.

On another note Canadians carefully guard the separation of church and state so you don't have to worry about creationism being taught in the science curriculum-sure they are a few who would like that but it ain't gonna happen up here.

We've found the same - not being religious/church goers has not affected our integration one bit. We're obviously hanging out with all the other hell-bound heathens

Based on the people we know, church-going in Canada seems to be pretty much as it was for us in the UK - i.e. restricted to weddings, funerals and maybe (if you're feeling very festive) a carol service at Christmas - otherwise, as Sarah said above - Sundays are for relaxing (though any activity involving a chainsaw doesn't sound very "chilled" to me.)

Nic

On the other hand if you are a Church goer of any kind there will be a place for you as well.

If you live in the smaller communities, religion is still reasonably big news, the local "big" churches hold the community purse-strings and can make or break you in some job circles. Religion is most definitely not as noisy as the US, but I (even as an irregular church-goer) have had my run-ins with the evangelical bible bashing contingent of the Fraser Valley.

Of course it is - in every religion based school I can think of and there are plenty of those!

Well then stop putting those 10' blood-soaked upside down crosses on peeps lawns and enough with the goat sacrifices at midnight, eh ? And the 2006 campaign 'Rights for the Satanic Masses' was off-track somewhat.

Rich.

Living in Abbotsford, I can attest that religion is a large part of our community. I am not however a church goer, many of my frinds are but none of them push religion down my throat. We love living here!

Well yes if you choose to send your child to a religious based school that could happen. I am talking about PUBLIC school.

In the US many school boards are being overtaken by religious fanatics and creationism is being taught in public school. Biology teachers are leaving the field in as they can't teach that stuff in good conscience.

That is scary. I'd leave too I think.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Religion can be a contentious topic and I wasn't sure how this thread would be received. To be honest I was expecting those with ties to the USA to berate me for inferring they are religious fanatics and the religious fanatics out there to berate me for being an unholy heathen son of satan.

I am pleased that the replies so far suggest that Canada's attitude towards religion is more relaxed and not so 'in your face' as in the USA. While I try to be tolerant of other peoples views I do not suffer fools gladly and cannot abide people who believe their opinions are the only ones that count. This means I have been known to be less than tactful on occasions so it makes sense to know how the land lies before we move.

One less thing on the list to be concerned about.

How many more concerns have you got left on your list?

Also a little concerned myself on your name

Did any of you UK guys see Louis Theroux's programme last night about that family/church who pretty much hate everyone? Basically, we ARE all going to hell ...