Responding to Bill C-9

Church Family,

You're reading this today because of an important development in our nation that I believe requires thoughtful, prayerful engagement from us as citizens of Canada. Recent developments in Parliament between the Bloc and Liberal parties include a proposed amendment to remove the good-faith religious belief defence from section 319(3) of the Criminal Code, a change that could have a significant impact on the ability of Christians (and all religious communities) to openly share our faith, values, and beliefs.

The reason this matters so deeply is that while our church wholeheartedly opposes hatred in all its forms (our laws already prohibit inciting violence, promoting genocide, or encouraging harm) this proposed change could unintentionally restrict sincere religious expression. It is our hope that Canada continues to uphold both the safety of all people and the long-standing freedoms of religion and expression that allow us to worship, teach, and speak with clarity and conviction.

Below is a letter you can send to your MP to respectfully voice these concerns. I encourage you to read it, pray about it, and consider adding your name to it. I have included instructions on how to contact your MP as many of us are unsure how to.

Thank you for your time. Let’s seek the good of our nation with both grace and truth together.

Brandon Richardson and Location Pastors