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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We are living in a time where people believe men can be women and vice versa. The bible is very clear about the two sexes. I agree with you about cultivating deeper wisdom with scripture and not parading quick quips as political weapons, but I wonder if Bill C-9 is looking to criminalize (and deem hate speech) something as simple as teaching the difference between a man and woman? Could wearing a sweater that says “Jesus saves” be deemed a hate symbol?
There is a difference between temporarily laying down one’s freedoms to save a brother from stumbling, and going along with a counter-scripture narrative for fear you’ll be thrown in jail.
The questions at the forefront of this Bill (for me) are: How is hate speech defined? Who gets to decide what constitutes hate speech or a hate symbol? Does the definition of hate speech and what it constitutes expand as our culture slides further away from God?
Like you say, we must turn to scripture and prayer. I believe heightened discernment is necessary for navigating the times we are in.
Hi Bob, yes. The responses reveal the quantity and quality of discipleship in Canada. The people whom I look too as examples of faith are the ones who don’t easily flinch or scatter when it comes to interpreting the political and cultural landscape. A mature disciple of Jesus has nothing to worry about in C-9. A fan of evangelical culture does have a lot at stake. The reactions and responses are telling.
An astute observation, Jordan. You and Tim would get along well.
Thank you for joining the conversation, Keri.
In response to your question, no, teaching the difference between a man and a woman is not hate speech. Wearing “Jesus saves” on a sweater is not hate speech. Making a generalization that “all people with same sex attraction are pedophiles” is hate speech. Using scripture in a sermon from the book of Leviticus that refers to homosexual acts is not hate speech. Using scripture in a sermon from the book of Leviticus and preaching homosexuals are evil and dangerous is hate speech. I have heard the latter used in sermons.
Hate is hate. Slander is slander. There are clear definitions of the words.
Canadian law defines hate speech as public communication that wilfully promotes hatred, detestation, or vilification against an
identifiable group based on characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation, distinct from mere offence or dislike,
See Jordan Majeau’s comment. Hope this helps, Keri.
I read the article by Tim Schindel. My thought was Peter cuts off the ear of the soldier, but Jesus heals it. As well, I just finished reading, “Grace Awakening”, by Chuck Swindoll. My take away from his book was everything begins with humility: grace, compassion, encouragement, understanding, kindness, even creativity.
Jesus’ ways are always counter intuitive to our human nature.
Civil discourse is difficult but it is necessary for change. Yet, without the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing spiritual will be accomplished.
Christine Caine likens it to swinging the axe without the axe head.
God is in control. He is not surprised. We need to go to Him with our prayers and petitions first.
God is concerned with hearts and the hearts of his people.
I do love the idea of keeping our focus on the whole story : from law to grace. ♥️
You have a wise, experienced way of looking at life and issues, Adena. A great leadership path is paved with “humility: grace, compassion, encouragement, understanding, kindness, even creativity” as you say.