Let's finally separate
CHURCH AND STATE
Join the Revolution.
Why Only Christian?
Canadians are faithful to more than 100 religions[source], yet only 1 religion, which represents a shrinking minority of Canadians, gets the unique privilege of having state-sponsored religious education.
Rather than adding new religious education systems for every new religion that becomes prevalent in Canada, we propose removing this biased benefit from Catholic and Protestant churches to even the playing field with other faiths.
Tax Them Too
While we're at it, let's continue to separate church and state in the economic realm, as well.
Churches can register the portions of their operations devoted to social causes (e.g., food banks, shelters) as non-profit organizations and personal contributions of faith to them will remain tax deductible.
All other aspects of organized religious operations, including property taxes and proselytizing (i.e., attempting to convert an atheist or someone from another faith to their own religion), will be subject to full taxation just as every other business, with no special financial considerations under Canadian tax law.
Support for the Faithful
While we support a complete separation of church and state, we also believe strongly in supporting faithful Canadians of every faith equally, with consistency and compassion. What this means is strengthening anti-hate laws and protections for faithful individuals and families fearing persecution, here in Canada or abroad. The RPC will continue Canada's current policy of welcoming faithful refugees and work to expand our national capacity to accept more refugees each year.
Accountability for the Churches
Tens (or likely hundreds) of thousands of Canadians have been abused (sexually or otherwise) by people working for churches. By design, the church itself implores to be seen as incapable of fault, instead solely scapegoating the individuals directly responsible to avoid attention on the systematic abuses indirectly perpetuated by the larger institution.
As we continue to learn about the Residential School atrocities, we recognize no solution to this problem is complete by only looking at the individuals and not also the institutions. We will support victims and their families in opening investigations and claims against the churches for whom their abusers worked.
Even the Pope Knows
Putting aside millennia of yet unresolved differences, leaders from every major faith in the world have joined in the chorus calling for urgent action[source][source] to save the only planet we currently have to live on.
Regardless of your position on religion and the afterlife, one immediate truth joins us all: If we don't act now, before it's too late for this planet, we will all live together forever in a...