Canada Religion

 

 

Religious Background

Catholicism is the largest religious group in Canada. Catholicism spread to Canada through french missionaries and settlers during the early days. Canadians also belong to other christian denominations such as protestantism. The largest denominations are the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada; but Baptists, Lutherans, and Presbyterians are large groups as well. The country's other religious groups include Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs.

Catholicism and Coronavirus

Churches in Canada have been closed since regulations due to the outbreak began in March. Many churches have been holding virtual church services for their members. Even as some people are venturing back into the world as things open back up, church attendance is down. Recently the government has instituted new restrictions on church attendance. Gatherings must be limited to 50 people when indoors.When you take into account the volunteers and staff of the church, this leaves room for just 10 members to join. Many churches consider this to be unfair and not well thought out. This rule of 50 people is in place for bars, restaurants, and churches. Other venues like movie theaters can have up to 250 people in attendance. Church leaders feel like they should be in the same category as movie theaters, not bars. The government did not meet with any church officials when making this mandate.

Citations

Martin, Paul W. "Canada." World Book Student, World Book, 2020,

           www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar090380. Accessed 27 Oct. 2020.

Loewen, Claire. "Religious leaders ask Quebec to ease restrictions even as new COVID-19 cases jump". CBC. Sep 22, 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/places-of-worship-religious-covid-19-1.5733798