Religious Freedom Response Plan
How changes in law could strip churches and ministries of their charitable status — and what we must do now.
Churches and faith-based charities do more than offer worship. From feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and supporting mental health — faith organizations are the backbone of compassion in communities across Canada.
But now, the federal government is considering policies that would eliminate “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose. If that happens, churches and ministries could lose their tax-exempt status, be unable to issue donation receipts, and even lose property.
This isn’t just a legal debate. It’s a threat to the ministries, jobs, and services that faith communities provide.
What is Changing / What’s at Risk
Removal of “advancement of religion” from the Income Tax Act as a recognized charitable purpose
Loss of charitable status for faith-based organizations
Loss of ability to issue donation receipts
Forced sale or transfer of property under government control or oversight
Closure of or cutbacks in essential services provided by churches (food programs, shelters, counselling, etc.)
Why It Matters
Faith communities are among the few organizations that:
Reach people in every province and territory
Fill gaps in social services that many governments are unable to address
Foster hope, dignity, and care in marginalized communities
Provide moral and ethical leadership in times of crisis
When these communities lose legal protection or financial stability, everyone suffers.
What We’re Doing
Freedoms Advocate has built a Religious Freedoms Response Plan, comprised of:
Open Letter — drafted in collaboration with faith leaders and constitutional lawyers, demanding the government recognize the importance of religious freedom and the charitable purpose of religion.
Information & Advocacy — keeping you informed with clear legal insight and updates.
Mass Mobilization — inviting millions of Canadians of all faiths, pastors, and churches to sign up and make their voices heard.
Documentary / Media Campaign — using storytelling to highlight what’s at stake and reach wider audiences.
How You Can Respond / Get Involved
Join the Religious Freedoms Response Plan
Add your name to our Religious Freedoms List. You’ll receive:
Notification when the Open Letter is ready to sign
Simple action items you can share or use in your local church or community
Tools to communicate this issue clearly
Share the Word
Talk with your pastor, your church leadership, your friends — share this page, videos, or social media posts. Every voice adds weight.
Pray, Reflect, Speak
Consider the impact, pray for wisdom, speak to others about why this matters — this is more than policy. It’s about the soul of our community life.
We don’t have much time. The fall budget is approaching — we need decisions before then.
➡️ Sign up to make sure your voice is counted.
Now is the moment for churches, pastors, and concerned Canadians to stand together. Let’s make sure our laws protect faith, not silence it.
Join the Religious Freedoms Response Plan
Takes less than one minute — be notified, add your name, and help protect faith in Canada.
Sign up to be part of the Open Letter
Joining the Religious Freedoms Response Plan allows you to be notified when the Open Letter is ready to be officially signed and also gives you the opportunity to share your opinion and views on the topic.
PLEASE NOTE: this does not subscribe you to our general mailing list, only to receive information on the Religious Freedoms Response Plan.