Declaration from Churches & Faith-Based Non-Profits Serving the Faith Community In Canada (Updated text in light of the bill's passage.)

We, the undersigned Christian churches and Christian charitable organizations across Canada, wish to express our deep concern regarding the passing of Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places).

As followers of Jesus Christ and servants of our communities, we affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person. Our faith calls us to love our neighbours, pursue peace, and speak with both truth and grace. At the same time, Canada’s longstanding commitment to freedom of religion and freedom of expression has ensured that people of faith can live out and express their sincerely held beliefs without fear of criminal sanction.

For decades, the Criminal Code has recognized this balance by including protections for the good-faith expression of sincerely held religious beliefs. The removal of these protections in Bill C-9 raises serious concerns for churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations across our nation.

We therefore respectfully call upon Parliamentarians to restore explicit protections for the good-faith expression of sincerely held faith beliefs within the Criminal Code.

Our request is simple: that Canada’s laws continue to clearly safeguard the fundamental freedoms that have long allowed people of faith to contribute openly and positively to the life of our nation.

We offer this declaration in a spirit of respect, prayer, and sincere concern for the future of religious freedom in Canada.