In the intense, polarized climate of our society, many people of faith are persuaded that topics deemed “political” are best avoided.
Curious
This is an updated version from what was published earlier today. Go to the end of the post to see the addition.
I invest a portion of my discretionary time into prayer, listening, and learning. Over the weekend I heard from a variety of voices. They not only informed the content but ignited the impetus behind this post.
Over 300 years ago, Alexander Pope penned, “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” He wrote to critics who believed they understood complex issues better than experts. I’m not a critic and this post wasn’t rushed.
I am curious.
What do you think about the conversations around Federal Bill C-9 and Alberta Provincial Bill 18?
Backgrounder Bill C-9
Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act (45-1), is proposed Canadian legislation designed to amend the Criminal Code to strengthen measures against hate-motivated crimes, protect community spaces, and ban the public display of hate or terrorism-related symbols.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, The Canadian Centre for Christian Charities, the Canadian Conference for Catholic Bishops are opposed. Some evangelical organizations and pastors nixed it.
Opinions were amplified across social media about the loss of freedom of speech, “Christian persecution,” pastors in danger behind the pulpit, and the Bible being under attack.
What If?
Responses were based on what might happen because of Bill C-9.
What about the slippery slope? That today’s narrow legal limits could gradually expand into broader restrictions on speech. In this case, some fear that even if Bill C-9 targets only extreme hatred now, future interpretations might inch toward policing sincere religious expression. That concern isn’t trivial—it reflects a desire to safeguard freedom before it erodes.
At the same time, Canadian law has built-in guardrails: courts require a high threshold, clear intent, and demonstrable harm before restricting speech. The real challenge is staying vigilant in both directions—resisting exaggerated fear on one hand, while also ensuring that legal definitions are not quietly broadened over time in ways that could unintentionally chill legitimate preaching or religious conviction.
What is certain is what this Bill clearly does not do.
My colleague, Edwin Rideout, offered a measured pastoral response: “Bill C-9 does not prevent Christians from:
preaching,
teaching Scripture,
sharing the gospel,
gathering for worship, or
expressing biblical convictions.
It does not remove the church’s freedom to disciple believers,
speak truth with compassion, or
serve society through acts of love.”
When believers respond with unconditional love for neighbours, we act on mission. There’s no law against that. “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'” (Galatians 5:14, ESV)
Finland
In the same week Bill C-9 was passed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Finland made headlines. A former cabinet minister in the Finnish parliament, and an evangelical Christian was convicted of inciting hatred against a minority group in a booklet she published in 2004, Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Understanding of Humanity.
Christian publications and organizations worldwide criticized the ruling. “She was just sharing Bible verses.” Canadian leaders were quick to connect Bill C-9 and the Finnish ruling. They cautioned that Canadian pastors could soon face significant legal challenges.
But is that the whole story? The Finnish court’s decision was not based on a Biblical text, but on the accused’s description of homosexuality as a “psychosexual developmental disorder and sexual abnormality.”
That description is not, as was stated, “classical Christianity.”
A Canadian pastor using that same description could be considered hate speech because it is not just a theological opinion but defames homosexuals as a group.
There are legitimate concerns about removing the specific “good faith religious defence” and the weakness of its replacement clause. However, pastor, Christian believer, stick to the behaviours listed above. And if that lands you in court, you won’t be alone.
Backgrounder Bill 18
Bill 18 is the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act introduced to restrict Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). It limits eligibility to adults with a reasonably foreseeable death within 12 months, bans MAID for mental illness as a sole condition, prohibits advance requests, and limits information in healthcare facilities.
Is Bill 18 about protecting vulnerable Albertans or protesting federal law?
I’m curious.
Suffering
A friend in the faith summed up the perspective of people who will be affected by this legislation.
“Personally, I, a lover of living, want the right to choose to end my life if a host of medical professionals agree that I am of sound mind and they have nothing else to offer me in terms of relief. I would have that right today and probably not next year. I am not interested in hearing from people who are not suffering about the noble cause of suffering and their right to protect me from ending my suffering.”
I’ve been at bedsides with families and their loved ones who suffered with incurable illness and unanswered prayers for healing. They faced tough decisions. Each one came to the chosen end of their life with grace and faith.
People of Faith
C-9 and 18 address complex issues. There are no easy answers. Not even for people of faith.
However, faith in Jesus invites us not to avoid but to live in the tension between conviction and uncertainty.
Our neighbours are watching.
Update on Bill C-9
Info from an informed colleague.
First, it’s important to gently set aside the fear that Bill C-9 will somehow “criminalize reading Scripture” or lead to pastors being jailed for faithful preaching. Those claims, while understandable in today’s climate of division, are greatly overstated. Canada’s hate speech laws—both before and after Bill C-9—are aimed at a very high threshold: the deliberate promotion of extreme hatred toward a group. The practice of faithful, everyday preaching, even when it engages difficult or sensitive topics, does not come close to that line. In fact, recent changes clarify and tighten the definition of “hatred” in line with court standards. And, by the way, if anyone—Christian or otherwise—were to cross into willfully promoting true hatred, it’s right that such actions be taken seriously. Scripture calls us to truth, but never as a cover for harm.
Second
While there are thoughtful and legitimate concerns about removing the specific “good faith religious defence” and whether its replacement is strong enough, we should also be mindful of another risk—one that comes from within. When we, as a Christian community, repeat and amplify the idea that people will be jailed simply for reading the Bible, we may unintentionally create fear where it doesn’t need to exist. Over time, that fear can quiet faithful, loving, and clear preaching. Ironically and regrettably, it may not be the law that silences us, but the weight of our own anxiety and misunderstanding. That’s something worth addressing with care, grace, and truth—for the sake of our witness and our peace.
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Good Morning Pastor Bob. Always “food for thought”. I have my own personal opinions about all topics that were discussed in your blog. It is a personal choice between a doctor & his patient. I have worked in healthcare for the majority of my working career. Plus, it was in Oncology. Until you have seen & experienced what I have experienced in 39 years with my patients…you cannot understand this very delicate & controversial topic. It is a topic that I will not comment on publicy. It is a hot topic …for sure. So, I will leave it there. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. Have a great week! ❤️
Provincial Alberta Bill 18
Suffering
I agree with ‘A friend in the faith summed up the perspective of people who will be affected by this legislation.’
Thank you, Kathy for joining the conversation for the first time. I hope you’ll connect again.
Julie, trusting physicians is foundational to healthcare. If we can’t trust them, all hope is lost. And you’re right, families are faced with complex and intense decisions to make on behalf of loved ones. Every day.
Very complex issues as you say… Just a couple of comments, but no answers.
About bill C-9; a couple of friends have sent me messages about the Bill. In each case the message was a link to a video. A person in the video in both cases explained that the bill would remove religious freedom. What bothered me was that in each instance the person speaking in the video did not identify themselves so I texted back asking, who is this and what is their expertise? The senders did not know the answer to those questions. Maybe I’m a cynic but I discern the trustworthiness of a message by who the person is and their expertise. I do appreciate Pastor Rideout’s observations.
I did read part of Bill C-9 but have not paid attention to Bill 18. A few years ago the provincial government introduced the Sovereignty Act. A couple I know who are both lawyers read it and said this “it’s just smoke and mirrors”. In their opinion, this act would not hold up in a court of law. There were a number of reasons but foremost is the legal doctrine of paramountcy. If there is a conflict between a federal law and a provincial law, the federal law would prevail in a court of law. I’m thinking the same holds true for legislation relating to MAID. If the federal law has already outlined the rules for eligibility, a provincial law cannot change that. Maybe resources would be better spent by having provincial medical experts approach the federal government.
Thank you Retha for sharing. I have updated the post with info from a friend who is well advised. Two things are agreed on by people I track:
1. There are concerns about Bill C-9 and what might happen.
2. Clearly,the fear is amplified and anti-Liberal. As in the video sent to you, only a self-serving portion of info is being shared. Much like the Finnish Court’s ruling. Time is precious and some people prefer to take what they see or read and run with it. What makes it worse it they share the info freely without checking the source.
Thank you so much for addressing these difficult issues with wisdom and grace.
My stance on all things related to politics is quite passionate right now, so I will attempt to temper that emotion here.
Bill C9 is definitely NOT intended to limit religious freedoms, as you’ve pointed out. It is clearly written to remove the “safety” of hiding behind religion. What activities might this impact? Beyond the obvious hate symbols and speech, it could apply to those actively involved in harmful protests against abortion clinics, LGBTQIA2+, immigrants, etc.
Let’s be fully transparent: if you participate in an activity or campaign designed to berate, belittle, or ostracize a fellow human being based on cherry-picked beliefs, you are NOT acting biblically.
Yes, the Bible is absolutely clear on what is right and wrong. There’s no doubt.
I admit I haven’t read every word of the Bible every year, nor have I absorbed its every purpose. What I do know is that the Bible is a written record intended as a love letter from God, culminating in the birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and return of Christ. Because of this, while I regard the entire Bible as Truth and it guides my life, I’m most focused on the words and actions of Christ Himself. His commandments are simple. His Commission for believers is clear. His grace is infinite. His mercy is endless. His forgiveness is absolute. His compassion is boundless. His righteous anger is pure and directed at those who misrepresent His Father.
In the Gospel, I want to understand where Christians were commanded to scrutinize the sins of the world, legislate them, and campaign against sinners. If anyone can identify such passages, I’d appreciate it. I haven’t found them yet. ♀️
While I will never fully trust government leadership, I am fully in favour of a balanced, secular government rather than one biased towards Christianity that demonstrates religiosity over relationship.
Neither government nor legislation are the focus of the Gospel. We are called to further the Kingdom of God by sharing the Gospel of Christ, which requires repentance of sin but is accomplished by the Spirit of God.
What is my point? Christians are sinners, saved by grace, but sin remains a challenge. We are NOT called to judge the world—that role belongs to Christ alone. Our duty is to share Christ’s sacrifice, His forgiveness, His servant heart and the grace He has shown us.
If Bill C9 is ever applied to our biblical purpose, as outlined by Christ, then we must remember that Christ was persecuted first and see it as a blessing to share in that for His glory.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
2 Timothy 3:12-13 NIV
“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
John 15:20 NIV
Persecution is NOT what we are experiencing in Western civilization. That is the excuse politicians use to manipulate their constituents, and it is spreading in our churches. The government is not our enemy. We know our enemy, and Christ has already defeated him.
Our role is to share Christ with the world through service, love, and sharing the Truth. There’s no need to condemn others or legislate sin; that should not be our focus. Sin is revealed by light, not by force.
The Bible may be described as a sword in Ephesians, but it is not meant to be wielded against the people of this world. Instead, it is against the evil that roams among us. When we share the truth, sins are revealed by the Spirit.
As for Albertan bills and legislation, if I were to comment on the increasingly disturbing changes the UCP is making to our system, my reply would turn into a published work. I’ll save that for another day.
Your passion is clear to see, Calay. “The government is not our enemy.” We live in a passionately polarized political context fueled by misinformation and disinformation. Facts are our friends.
When I was a teenager, I remember a friend of mine, asking me what I thought about abortion. I told her I was against it, and asked her for her that thoughts. She replied, “I’m against it also, but I don’t want the government telling me what to do. “
At the time it seemed like wisdom. In the world we live in today, I’m not too sure.
I agree a lot with the above comment. But I’m not too sure if the government is not our enemy . The enemy can infiltrate anywhere. Who is not to say that the enemy hasn’t done so already.
Society has definitely lost its moral compass.
It is a slow fade, the small steps, that can easily bind us into a prison we have constructed.
Just like the experiment of the frog in the water in the pot on the stove, where the heat is turned up gradually, and the frog is not aware that he is being boiled to death, we too must be aware so the same does not happen to us