Is Charitable Status for Churches in Canada on the Chopping Block? [Ezra Interviews with Michael Thiessen]

In this episode of the Ezra Interviews, Dr. Michael Thiessen interviews lawyer Barry Bussey about the evolving landscape of charity law in Canada, particularly concerning religious organizations. In the first part of their discussion, they discuss the historical context of charitable status for churches, the implications of recent government recommendations to remove this status for pro-life and religious organizations, and the broader philosophical shifts in society regarding the role of religion. The conversation underscores the significance of charitable status for churches and the potential implications of altering government policies on religious communities. They also discuss the implications of changing charitable status for Christian organizations in Canada. They explore the philosophical foundations of charity, the role of government in influencing church operations, and the need for churches to respond proactively to these changes. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of charity, the necessity of making religious arguments in the public sphere, and the challenges churches face in maintaining their mission amidst political pressures. Episoe Resources: Bussey Ainsworth: https://www.busseyainsworth.ca/; “Ship Money” and the Divine Right of Kings: https://firstfreedoms.ca/ship-money-and-the-divine-right-of-kings/; NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!:https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind;Get the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Spark Conference: Toronto, ON | May 20, 25: https://sparkconference.org/;Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.