Molly Banerjei presenting at a Christian Heritage Month declaration.

A relatively new campaign to declare December “Christian Heritage Month” is quickly gaining traction. Jay and Molly Banerjei, along with a team of volunteers, have lead the campaign, calling on towns, cities, school boards, and even provincial and federal governments to recognize the contributions of Canada’s Christian community to our land. Although they only got the idea in May of 2024, close to 60 municipalities have already followed-through, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Calgary.

“Faith, service, and compassion. These are values Christians have brought to Canada’s story, helping to shape our national identity in quiet and powerful ways,” Molly Banerjei explained in a video on the campaign’s website.

“From founding hospitals, schools, and universities to establishing food banks, shelters, and care homes, to leading efforts in human rights, reconciliation and refugee support, the Christian community has been an unwavering force for hope, healing, and nation building.”

The lack of recent formal recognition of Christianity, when just over half of Canadians identify as Christian, was the motivation for this campaign. “Let this be the moment Canada chooses to honor the faith that has intentionally helped build this great nation we call home,” urged Banerjei.

The province of Saskatchewan also made the proclamation and there is a petition from the Conservative Party of Canada calling for the federal government to do the same.
The campaign includes a custom flag, which is being raised in special ceremonies to mark the proclamation, providing many opportunities for local Christians to proclaim the name of Christ in their communities.

As laudable as the initiative is, it is crucial that when honoring our LORD in the public square, we point to Him, not ourselves. Canada is glorious and free not because of Christians, but because of the God that Christians rightly honor.

Pictures supplied and used with permission of Molly Banerjei.