Paper short abstract:

Using the most recent three Census data on religion (2021, 2011, and 2001), this study attempts to examine the association between immigrant status and religion in Canada. Age-specific results of religious affiliation over three censuses and their determinants are presented and discussed.

Paper long abstract:

Using the most recent three Census data on religion (2021, 2011, and 2001), this study attempts to investigate the association between immigrant status and religious affiliation in Canada.

In 2021, immigrants aged 15 or older were more likely to be adherent to religion than non-immigrants: 62% of non-immigrant Canadians reported being religiously affiliated compared to 76% of immigrants. This difference increased over the past two decades and tends to be driven by the increasing number of immigrant members of non-Christian religions. In 2021, compared to their Canadian-born counterparts, a higher proportion of Immigrants were members of non-Christian religions (29% vs. 6%).

Over time, however, religious affiliation among immigrants decreased (from 83% in 2001 to 76% in 2021, but not as much as their Canadian-born counterparts did). Compared to established immigrants (who immigrated more than 10 years ago), recent immigrants' rate of religious affiliations was lower in 2001 and 2011, but it was higher in 2021. These changes were the combined results of steady decreases in affiliation with Christianity and increases in other religions, particularly, Islam among recent immigrants in Canada.

Among an immigrant cohort who had immigrated in 1999 and 2000, the rate of non-affiliation increased since their immigration. For example, 15% of those aged 15-24 in 2001 reported being non-affiliated. The rate of the same cohort (aged 25-34) in 2011 was up to 19% and then to 22% in 2021. This longitudinal analysis showed the decrease in religious affiliation among immigrants between 2001 and 2021 concentrated on adherents of Christianity; the number of members of other religions was stable. Age-specific results of each indicator in religious affiliation over three censuses are presented. Based on multivariate analysis, this study discusses specific factors making significant effects on changes in religious affiliations, especially, secularization for immigrant and non-immigrant people in Canada.