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Canada Evangelicals Call on Government Not to Strip Religious Organizations of Charity Status for Tax Purposes

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has called on the Canadian government to reject a recommendation made by the House of Commons Finance Committee that religious organizations should be stripped of their charitable status for tax purposes.

The Finance Committee’s proposal was made in a pre-budget report, and reads: “Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose.”

In a December 20 letter to Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the EFC explains the “significant role” that religious organizations have in the charitable sector and the country as a whole. “Of the more than 73,000 charitable organizations registered with the CRA, more than 30,000 fall under the advancement of religion, roughly 42% of the charitable sector. It is estimated that there are 23,000 Christian congregations in Canada,” EFC Director of Public Policy Julia Beazley writes.

“The thousands of churches and faith-based organizations across Canada that are religious charities benefit their participants, their communities and Canadian society as a whole. Religious charities foster vibrant social networks, mobilize outreach, spark local volunteerism, and foster community resiliency,” the EFC letter continues.

“More and more Canadians are grappling with loneliness and social isolation. Polarization and lack of social cohesion are increasing concerns. This is a time to encourage the presence and participation of religious charities, which foster hope, mutual support, and belonging, rather than taking steps to destabilize them,” the letter attests.

“We urge you not to follow the recommendation of the Finance Committee, but instead to recognize the relevance and benefits of religion to the charitable sector and Canadian public life,” the letter concludes.