Abbotsford denied a permit for Burn 24/7 Canada’s worship event
Burn 24/7 Canada Worship Ministries Society is a Canadian Christian non-profit organization that hosts free, family-friendly outdoor worship events. Its large events featuring American Christian musician Sean Feucht proceeded without incident in 2023 and 2024 and attracted thousands of attendees. The Society planned an 11-city Canadian tour for 2025, including a “Let Us Worship: Revive in 25” event at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford on August 24.
Before the tour began, critics labelled Mr. Feucht a “MAGA musician” and urged governments and public venues to cancel events because of his religious and political views.
The City withheld the permit over unspecified safety concerns
After months of working with City staff and complying with municipal requirements, organizers learned that they needed “safety letters” from the police and fire departments before the City would issue a permit. The City later advised that neither department would provide the letters because of unspecified safety concerns. It provided no supporting information or documentation.
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre argued that the City’s actions unjustifiably interfered with freedoms protected by the Charter. They reminded the City of longstanding constitutional protections for religious worship, including principles articulated by Chief Justice Brian Dickson in 1985.
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.”
Organizers sought the information behind the decision
Lawyers continued to ask the City to permit the event under ordinary safety requirements. The City declined to provide an expedited appeal, stating that decision-makers were on summer break and unavailable.
Constitutional lawyer Glenn Blackett questioned the City’s refusal to disclose the information on which it relied. He said, “The City says it had information of protest-related safety risks three weeks ago that necessitated cancellation. To date, nobody—including the police—will provide records or further information about that.”
