[Episcopal News Service]
A recent survey by Canada's foremost religion pollster suggests that the country may be experiencing a period of spiritual renewal--one not limited to churchgoers.
A survey of 3,500 Canadians revealed that weekly church attendance had increased, the core membership had stabilized, and those who attend church infrequently were not 'deserting the ship.' The trend was particularly obvious among mainline Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Canada, and Roman Catholic churches.
'If we use cold marketing language, there has been a demand for religion,' said Reginald Bibby who teaches sociology at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. He has monitored religious trends in Canada every five years since the 1970s. His most recent survey suggests that a 30-year downward trend in church attendance has been halted and that attendance of youth has rebounded.
More than 80 percent of those polled said that they believe in God, 75 percent prayed at least occasionally, 73 percent admitted to having spiritual needs, 68 percent believe in life after death, and 65 percent believe in heaven.
'God continues to do well in the polls,' said Bibby. He admitted that he was surprised by the recent results because earlier surveys had pointed to a waning religious influence in Canada. 'Groups like the United Church and the Anglicans may be joining the evangelicals in experiencing revitalization,' he said. The renewed interest among youth may be the result of direct efforts by the churches to reach out. 'Religious groups are doing a much more aggressive job of targeting and ministering to young people,' according to Bibby. 'Churches are making youth ministry, ministry to young adults and to children, a much higher priority than in the past.'
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