A Montreal evangelical church was fined CAD 2,500 after hosting a concert by U.S. Christian musician Sean Feucht without the required permit, stirring controversy in both religious and civil liberties circles. The event took place on a Friday evening in Plateau‑Mont‑Royal and was not authorized by city officials.
City representatives, speaking for Mayor Valérie Plante, stated the Ministerios Restauración Church lacked the legal permit to host the performance and had been explicitly warned that proceeding would violate municipal regulations. Officials cited Montreal’s foundational values of inclusion and respect, asserting that while freedom of expression is respected, “hateful and discriminatory speech” is not tolerated.
Protesters gathered outside the church during the performance, and police arrested a 38-year-old man for obstruction. Authorities also reported that a smoke bomb was set off inside the building amid the event.
Feucht, who bills himself as a Christian musician, author and activist closely associated with the MAGA movement, accused Canadian officials of religious persecution following the fine. Posting on social media, he framed the penalty as an attack on worship itself: “Now you want (to) fine the church for doing what the church does – WORSHIP.”
Authorities explained that the eastern Canada leg of Feucht’s “Revive in 25” tour had seen multiple cancellations in cities including Quebec City, Gatineau, Halifax, Moncton, and Charlottetown, often for safety concerns or lack of permits. The Montreal event was arranged at the last minute and reportedly lacked formal notification to city officials.
Legal experts and commentators note the distinction between a regular church service—which does not require special permits—and an unscheduled public concert, which falls under municipal rules for large gatherings.
Feucht has continued to promote the narrative that this incident represents broader censorship of Christian voices in Canada, while Montreal city officials maintain the fine reflects impartial enforcement of public safety and event regulations rather than content-based suppression.
