Leslie Rosenblood
If you are concerned about the rising tide of religious extremism, worried about the increasing religious influence over government policy, or anxious about faith-based wars around the globe, I invite you to help CFIC defend secularism. Secularism (government neutrality in matters of religion) is strongly correlated with positive outcomes for almost every measure of sociological well-being. Yet we are witnessing an ebb in secular governance.
We are seeing Christian nationalism gain influence and power in the United States. Canada is not immune to this trend. Anti-Muslim rhetoric is rising and antisemitic hate crimes are at an all-time high. CFIC staunchly defends both freedom of religion and freedom from religion. Neither are possible when members of minority groups are living under the threat of vandalism and violence
CFIC advocates for a more secular Canada. CFIC reported in its Cost of Religion in Canada series that Canada’s three levels of government subsidise religious institutions by at least $5.6 billion per year. The census question on religion (asked on the long form every 10 years) is misleading. It artificially under-reports the number of non-religious Canadians. Non-religious prisoners lack the pastoral guidance offered to prisoners who proclaim a faith. Three provinces and two territories in Canada continue to fund Catholic education systems.
CFIC is increasingly working with partners from other local, provincial, and national organisations to find innovative solutions to address these and other violations of government neutrality in matters of religion. You can count on CFIC to work to counter this trend of rising religious extremism.
CFIC’s advocacy for secularism is just one of the reasons why I volunteer my time and donate monthly to CFIC. It’s also why, this December, I am making an extra one-time donation. I hope you will join me.