The public response to the recent amendments to Bill C-9 has revealed not only deep concern within segments of the Christian community, but a deeper question that deserves our attention.
This is an excerpt from an article Tim Schindel (Leading Influence) wrote in response to Bill C-9 and the question that comes to his mind about a wise response.
Bill C-9, also known as the Combating Hate Act, is recent Canadian proposed legislation (tabled in late 2025) to amend the Criminal Code, aiming to tackle rising hate crimes by creating new offences for intimidating or obstructing access to religious/cultural spaces and publicly 
displaying hate symbols, while also enhancing hate crime penalties and streamlining hate propaganda charges. It introduces specific offences for intimidation, obstruction, hate-motivated crimes (as an “add-on” to other crimes), and displaying hate symbols, seeking to better protect communities from hate-motivated incidents, though some groups raise concerns about free speech.
This moment calls for wisdom—measured, thoughtful, and rooted in the way of Jesus.
Wisdom
Questions about freedom of expression, religious liberty, and the role of Scripture in public life are serious and warrant engagement. The proposed amendments are troublesome, and the concerns are well-founded. The questions also require more from us than reaction and outrage. If the Church hopes to speak credibly into this moment, we must begin with honesty—about Scripture, about culture, and about ourselves.
Discipleship
If we are honest, much of the confusion surrounding Scripture exists because we have too often settled for shallow formation rather than deep discipleship. We have assumed biblical literacy instead of cultivating it. We have sometimes taught isolated verses rather than the grand narrative of redemption that moves from creation to new creation, and from law to grace.
Counter-productive
In response to Bill C-9, some have chosen to place Scripture at the centre of political confrontation—used as a prop, a symbol of resistance, or a prelude to a pointed question or statement in the public square.
While this may feel bold, it is ultimately counterproductive.
Tim’s thoughts resonate with me because my word for 2026 is WISDOM. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to consider when laying aside certain freedoms might serve the greater good. To me, that is wisdom. That appeal may fall on deaf ears in 2026. It maybe be dismissed as for a different era, but it needs to be said and said again.
What do you think? Post a comment and join the conversation.
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