Canadian Evangelicalism in the Twentieth Century: An Introduction to Its Character

In the 1980s, evangelical Protestantism emerged as a prominent new force in Canada. While political campaigns and sexual scandals among American evangelicals attracted attention north of the border as well, Canadian evangelicals were quietly establishing a network of individuals and institutions that reflected their distinctive concerns. While the United, Anglican, and Presbyterian churches continued to enjoy "mainline Protestant" status in Canadian culture, more Canadians who actually practiced Christianity in measurable ways could be counted among the evangelicals than among these dominant Protestant denominations. And while most Canadians -- including experts in religious studies -- continued to think of Canadian Christianity in traditional denominational terms, "evangelicalism" was coming into focus as a category essential to understanding this new pattern of allegiance and activity. - Introduction.