ABBOTSFORD, BC: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that lawyers have sent a warning letter to the City of Abbotsford (City), requesting an immediate reversal of its decision to deny a permit for the “Let Us Worship Revive in 25” event, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Mill Lake Park.
The event is part of a national Christian tour featuring musician Sean Feucht. Organizers say a modest police presence has been more than sufficient.
Abbotsford officials denied a permit on the basis of safety concerns, details of which have not been shared with organizers.
After months of cooperation and efforts to meet the City’s requirements, the City suddenly informed organizers that “safety letters” were needed from Abbotsford police and fire departments. But the City also said that the City’s Police Chief and Fire Chief would not issue those letters because they were of the opinion that the potential risks were beyond their departments’ capacity to manage them.
The City is engaging in unlawful censorship.
Our lawyers have instructed City officials, including the mayor, council members, and other staff, to preserve all records related to the event cancellation in recognition of possible future legal action.
Constitutional lawyer Marty Moore said, “The cancellations of these worship events by government entities across Canada has exposed a grotesque lack of government knowledge and appreciation for Canada’s fundamental freedoms, including those of religion, expression and peaceful assembly.”
“Additional legal action is not off the table,” he added.
The City is also reminded of established Canadian law on religious expression. Chief Justice Brian Dickson said in 1985:
“The essence of the concept of freedom of religion is the right to entertain such religious beliefs as a person chooses, the right to declare religious beliefs openly and without fear of hindrance or reprisal, and the right to manifest religious belief by worship and practice or by teaching and dissemination.”
The President of the Justice Centre, John Carpay, stated, “Ultimately, the guarantor of freedom of expression and other Charter freedoms is not the Charter itself, nor freedom-loving judges who interpret it properly, but rather the culture and social fabric of Canadian society. If Canadians cherish the free society in their hearts, and understand their constitutional freedoms in their minds, the free society will endure.”
City officials are urged to allow the event to proceed with standard safety measures in place and show that the City of Abbotsford respects the freedom of conscience and religion and of expression for everyone.
