United Church Says Census is Critical to its Mission

Toronto: The United Church of Canada has added its voice to those protesting the government's recent decision to eliminate the mandatory long-form census. In a letter this week to Industry Minister Tony Clement, the church urged the government not to implement a voluntary system of collecting detailed census information.

"We see this as a step backward at a time when Canadians need access to reliable census information to help build a more equitable and just society," says the Rev. Bruce Gregersen, General Council Officer, Programs.

He adds that because the long-form census also contains questions related to religion, it would be a great loss to faith communities and to the country in understanding the multiplicity and richness of the spiritual makeup of Canada.

Gregersen says like other non-profit organizations and charities, the United Church benefits from the wealth of data that is collected and analyzed by Statistics Canada.

He explains that many local United Church congregations, particularly those facing significant demographic change, use census information to help identify community needs within the neighbourhoods they serve.

"Knowing who your neighbours are is an important part of adapting congregational outreach programs and advocacy initiatives that are integral to the church's mission," says Gregersen.

"Responding to community needs, both spiritual and social is how the United Church, its congregations, and its members live out our faith in this world," says Gregersen. "Losing the statistical tool that helps to identify these needs will seriously handicap our ability to respond as effectively in the future."
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In response to these comments from Toronto, and in recognition of the reality that most of our pastoral charges have dwindled to the point of financial insecurity, I affirm that it is important to know who our neighbours are.
However I have a great dread that we spend too much time with statistics and sitting in front of our computer screens instead of actually getting out and meeting the neighbours.  I saw a police offcer driving through my area recently and thought how he or she would know the people a lot better if instead of driving they were on foot  Well, is the same not true of us?  If people get to know us in our communities they can form their opinion of how nice or nasty we are.  If we remain within our church walls, studying them on paper, we are never likely to meet.
I bet someone out there has some comment to share!
Dave