Religion in Canada Under Threat: Freedoms Advocate Launches “Religious Freedom Response Plan”
Freedoms Advocate today unveiled a bold new initiative, the Religious Freedom Response Plan, to counter recent proposals at the federal level that could strip churches and faith‑based organizations of their charitable status — putting their legal, financial, and operational viability at risk.
Growing Threat to Charitable Status for Faith Groups
Churches and faith‑based charities provide more than worship services. They are often the backbone of community compassion — feeding the hungry, offering shelters, supporting mental health, and running counselling and outreach programs.
But now, those institutions face an existential threat: the federal government is considering removing “advancement of religion” as a recognized charitable purpose under the Income Tax Act.
If enacted, churches and ministries could:
- Lose their tax‑exempt status
- Be unable to issue donation receipts
- Be forced to sell or surrender property under government control
- Cease or scale back essential community services
“Faith communities reach every corner of this country, especially where government services fall short,” said Randy Crosson, Executive Director of Freedoms Advocate. “If we strip them of legal protection and charitable recognition, it’s not just faith that suffers — it’s people who depend on their care and support.”
“Faith leaders and religious individuals across Canada need to come together and make their voices heard. Religious beliefs are the foundation of of many people’s lives.”
What the Religious Freedom Response Plan Will Do
Freedoms Advocate’s response plan is built on four pillars:
- Open Letter to Parliament — drafted in collaboration with faith leaders and constitutional law experts, demanding that religious freedom be upheld and that “advancement of religion” remain protected.
- Information & Advocacy — ongoing analysis, legal insight, and clear explanation of changes being proposed.
- Mass Mobilization — inviting pastors, churches, and concerned Canadians to sign up, raise their voices, and demand protection.
- Documentary / Media Campaign — telling real stories, putting faces to the issue, and reaching Canadians across platforms.
This plan is time‑sensitive: the fall federal budget is approaching, and critical decisions could be made before then.
What’s at Stake — Real Consequences
- Churches may lose access to core funding and donations
- Ministries and social services could face financial collapse
- Increased pressure on pastors and faith leaders to moderate or censor teachings
- Rights of free expression, religious assembly, and conscience may be imperiled
How the Public Can Act Now
Freedoms Advocate calls on:
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- Pastors, churches, and denominational bodies to join the Response Plan
- Canadians of all faiths (and none) to support religious freedom as a pillar of pluralism
- The media to amplify the voices and stories of those who would be affected
- Parliamentarians to defend charitable status protections and reject any measures that penalize faith-based organizations
- PLEASE consider a DONATION to help us with the resources and coordination needed for this project.
Get involved and sign up to receive action items, the final Open Letter, and tools to communicate in their community.