Many churches, especially those just starting out, rent spaces for their gatherings. Faith-based organizations also rent larger venues for special events. Finding the right space can be challenging.
This winter, the EFC will be in a Quebec court as part of a coalition arguing in support of religious freedom. Specifically, we will argue that religious groups should have equal access to public spaces and not be denied access because of their beliefs.
The case relates to Harvest Ministries International, a Christian group that had signed a rental agreement to hold a 10-day revival event in a government-owned convention centre in Quebec City. But just a few weeks before the event was to begin, the provincial minister of tourism cancelled their rental contract.
Harvest Ministries’ website expresses pro-life views, and the minister of tourism felt that was sufficient grounds to cancel the rental agreement. She deemed Harvest Ministries’ pro-life beliefs to be contrary to the “fundamental principles” of the state.
“If the court finds the minister’s action to be justified, this will have a profound impact on religious organizations,” says Bruce Clemenger, EFC senior ambassador and president emeritus, who coordinates legal interventions for the EFC.
The EFC will intervene in this case with the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities and Réseau Évangélique du Québec. We will defend collective religious freedom and freedom of expression.
“This case challenges our ability to gather as communities in public spaces to learn, serve or worship,” says Clemenger, “and this challenge cannot go unanswered.”
Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the right to freedom of religion and conscience, as well as freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression and freedom of assembly. These are the cornerstones of a free and democratic society.
In the first Supreme Court decision to deal with freedom of religion under the Charter (in 1985), Chief Justice Dickson wrote, “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 belief by worship and practice or by teaching and dissemination.”
However, freedoms in the Charter are not absolute and can be restricted if doing so is justifiable in a free and democratic society. Courts interpret what laws mean and how the freedoms and protections will be understood and applied, and whether a restriction on freedom is justified. The understanding of law and the application of the Charter builds with each new case.
This is why it’s so important for the EFC to make legal arguments when key cases are heard. If an argument isn’t made in a particular case, it won’t be considered in the decision.
To be an intervener means to make legal arguments as “a friend of the court.” This allows us to introduce arguments that aren’t being made by either of the two sides in a case.
The EFC usually intervenes in cases that deal with issues of religious freedom, sanctity of life, human dignity or care for those who are vulnerable. It is an integral part of our work to seek justice, to pursue the good of our country and to love our neighbour.
Thanks to your support and partnership, the EFC is a respected and experienced intervener with more than 30 interventions before the Supreme Court of Canada and nearly 40 before other courts. Even when decisions are not in our favour, arguments made by the EFC are often reflected in the written decisions, which set precedent for future cases.
Thank you for your support and partnership!
What you can do
- Please pray for the court hearing on the Harvest Ministries case. Pray for the legal counsel representing the EFC and for religious freedom in Canada.
- Please pray for the EFC and consider one-time or monthly support for the EFC. Your partnership makes this work possible.
We are deeply grateful for the ways you support the work of the EFC as we speak into the pressing issues of the day.
Also in this issue: Women’s research launches audio documentary, Study of social media and youth includes survey for youth workers, More EFC operations shift to Ottawa, Updating you on Canada’s most immediate issues, A note from EFC President David Guretzki.