From Canada-It’s old news that many of Canada’s traditional mainstream churches are experiencing institutional decline. What is not widely acknowledged is that those same churches have maintained a strong influence as this nation’s social conscience. I consider that to be one of the most important Canadian justice-developments during the past half-century.
Societal justice and care-for-the-Earth advocacy have been major ecclesial contributions to Canadian society, and a continuing witness to the gospel in our nation. Those who see decline in numbers as a sign of unfaithfulness to the Good News are taking a very limited view of what is actually happening. Those who are discouraged by some of the statistics need to take heart. There is another side to the story! Church growth is one thing. Faithfulness to God’s word is quite another.
"We tried to make you be like us and in so doing we helped to destroy the vision that made you what you were," stated the 31st General Council of The United Church of Canada in 1986, more than 30 years ago. This was in response to a request of Indigenous peoples that the church apologize for its part in colonization. Since that time, many denominations have issued apologies to the First Nations, not just for the existence of residential schools but for many other injustices.
More here-
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/canada-s-churches-a-conscience-for-social-and-eco-justice
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