Old Religions in New Cities, New Religions in Old Cities: Lessons for and from Canada

Paul Bramadat
University of Victoria

Abstract

Religious institutions, beliefs, assumptions and practices are undergoing massive and complicated transformations in western societies. Multiculturalism and secularism have had dramatic effects on our cities, religions and the way we understand our shared spaces. While religion is clearly not headed for extinction, it is far from clear what role these groups will have in the next few decades.

In this session, Paul Bramadat will present a lecture on the key changes in the Canadian religious landscape (based on the most recent statistical data). The talk will be followed by brief responses from local religious leaders and a moderated discussion about the implications of religious changes for complex urban settings.

Paul Bramadat is the Director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at UVic. He has published widely on religion in contemporary Canadian society and is currently focusing on the ways religious communities respond to the pressures of secularization.