Christian Info Society (CIS) presents an annual look at the state of Christian faith in this nation.

BASED on the research of dedicated scholars and interviews with a broad range of Canadian church leaders – including John Stackhouse, Brian Stiller, Andrew Grenville, Bruce Clemenger, Bruce Guenther, John Redekop and Lloyd Mackey – CIS has initiated a series of articles intended to assess the current state of the Canadian church.

It includes statistical analysis of belief, attendance and the relative strength of various Christian groups.

It also delves into more complex and difficult questions, such as the unique character of the Canadian church – its strengths and weaknesses, its health and challenges, and its place in Canadian society.

The introductory article appears in this edition of BC Christian News (see facing page).

The February issue will include a special feature summarizing the material on the character of the Canadian church.  

Following is a sampling of quotes from the wide range of interviewees.

The pendulum of secularism has swung as far as it can, and it’s now in retreat. 
Brian Stiller
president of Tyndale
University College and Seminary

While statistics show a fall-off of regular church attendance, a general Christian-shaped God-consciousness remains high in the general populace. 
Lloyd Mackey 
veteran political journalist

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In the aftermath of a period of rapid secularization, Canada is searching for a clearer sense of its identity amidst the diversity of culture, race, religion, lifestyle, social and political visions.
Bruce J. Clemenger
president of the Evangelical
Fellowship of Canada

The Canadian church largely acts as if good intentions will suffice to lead, structure and act as the church in the future . . . In all of this, we demonstrate a kind of amateurish complacency that would be intolerable in business or the professions. One is reminded of Malachi thundering at the Israelites for presenting to God what they would never think of offering up to their secular governor. 
John G. Stackhouse
professor of theology and culture,
Regent College

The church no longer is in the centre of the culture – there is no centre any more – but has been forced to the margins. This is not necessarily bad, but actually provides us with an environment where many revivals actually occur. 
Cam Roxburgh
director of
Church Planting Canada

Too many are weary and discouraged from trying to sustain unsustainable forms of ministry and getting bogged down in debates that reflect fast-changing social mores. 
David Harris 
editor of Presbyterian Record

January 2008