Is Canada’s Religious Decline Finally Slowing Down?

Churches need to prepare for what’s coming next

Toronto, ON—March 5, 2026

Given reports from the United Kingdom and the United States suggesting increased religious practice among young adults in those countries, Cardus partnered with the Canadian Bible Society to find out if something similar was happening here in Canada.

The short answer in a new report is: not quite yet. But the full picture is more interesting than a simple yes or no.

What the Canadian Data Show

Polling conducted over the past three years by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with Cardus reveals that young Canadians’ relationship with faith largely mirrors that of older generations. When asked whether they believe God or a higher power exists, 59 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 answered “Yes, I definitely do believe.” Across all ages, 63 percent expressed some level of belief in God.

“Young Canadians aren’t dramatically more secular than their parents or grandparents,” says Ray Pennings, Executive Vice-President, Cardus and a report co-author. “The gap exists, but it’s smaller than many assume. More importantly, there are signs that the historical decline in religious practice may be levelling off. We don’t see a full-blown revival, though we might be reaching a hinge point.”

The British and American Picture

In the United Kingdom, a study found that 18 to 24-year-olds are now the most likely age group to believe there is definitely a God or higher power. They’re also the most likely to pray regularly, which is a remarkable reversal from previous trends.

Meanwhile, the long decline in young people’s rates of religious practice in the United States appears to have plateaued. Interestingly, for the first time, men are attending church more regularly than women. That is a significant shift in longstanding patterns.

The Cardus report takes note of another study that included Canada, which found that despite being largely uncommitted to regular religious practice as a group, young adults represented almost half of those who are interested in learning more about the Bible, frequently using it, and regularly attending church.

Implications for the Future

We’re not seeing a dramatic religious revival among Canadian young people, but the data suggest we are seeing something potentially significant: stabilization after decades of decline, and signs of openness to faith that weren’t there before.

This matters for several reasons.

Firstly, it challenges the assumption that secularization is an inevitable, one-way street. The narrative that religion simply fades with each generation may be too simplistic. People continue to grapple with questions about meaning, purpose, and transcendence. These are questions that religious traditions have long addressed.

Secondly, it suggests that younger Canadians are more open to exploring faith than many religious institutions assume. The challenge facing churches isn’t necessarily hostility or indifference. It might be that young people are looking for answers, but religious institutions haven’t figured out how to meet them where they are.

An Opportunity for Churches

These findings present Canadian churches with an important opportunity and an urgent question. If young people are showing openness to faith, are churches prepared to welcome them?

“Canada’s young adults are living through profound pressures—economic uncertainty, loneliness, global instability—and these realities are raising deeper questions about meaning and purpose,” says Rev. Dr. Rupen Das, President, Canadian Bible Society. “This report reminds us that young Canadians have not rejected the spiritual dimension of life. Many are curious, searching, and even quietly hopeful. The Church has an important opportunity to listen and respond with compassion, humility, and confidence.”

The data suggest the door isn’t closed. The long, religious decline may be slowing. Young Canadians remain open to faith, even if they’re not rushing through church doors in droves.

Faith Restored? The Evolving Relationship between Religion and Young Canadians is available on the CBS website.