A new binational study comparing religious beliefs and behaviors in the United States and Canada highlights significant differences in personal faith, public expressions of religion, and civic engagement. The report, released by the non-partisan think tanks Cardus and the Angus Reid Institute, surveyed 5,001 adults in each country and found that Americans are markedly more religious than Canadians across nearly all measures. When asked whether religion plays an important role in daily life, 33% of Americans strongly agreed, nearly double the 17% of Canadians who said the same. Nearly half of Canadians (45%) strongly disagreed that religion is important day to day, compared to only 26% of Americans.
Using a framework based on belief in God, prayer habits, sacred text reading, spiritual experiences, and religious service attendance, the study categorized respondents into four groups. Only 18% of Canadians were labeled as religiously committed, while 37% of Americans fell into that category.
The study also reveals sharp contrasts in attitudes about public expressions of faith. Fifty-six percent of Americans believe public officials should feel free to speak and act according to their religious beliefs. In Canada, 66% prefer religion kept entirely out of public life.
