Proposed Changes to Charitable Status Could Affect Christian Charities Like Crossroads
SUMMARY:
With a federal election now called for April 28, this is a key time to ask about the future of Christian charities in Canada. In December 2024, a parliamentary committee made a recommendation that, if adopted, would put Christian ministries like Crossroads at risk of losing charitable status. It stated:
Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of charity which would remove the privileged status of “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose (#430).
More than 30,000 charities—about 42% of Canada’s charitable sector—fall under the “advancement of religion.” While not all are Christian, this change would directly impact Christian ministries like Crossroads, which share the hope of Jesus across Canada.
If adopted, millions of Canadians who rely on Christian organizations for spiritual care, prayer support, and vital community services like food banks could be affected.
Your vote matters. Speak to your local MP candidates about how they will support religious charities.
Now is the time to speak up, stand on guard, and pray for our nation.
Learn more and get involved: evangelicalfellowship.ca/protect-charitable
Join us in prayer for Canada: crossroads.ca/strongandfree
FULL STORY:
As a Christian media ministry and charity, Crossroads has served Canadians for more than 60 years—sharing the message of Jesus, offering 24/7 prayer support, producing faith-based programming, and supporting people in need across the country.
Today, Crossroads—and Christian charities like ours—faces a new challenge to our mission.
What’s Happening?
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance released Report 21, Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget in December.
Buried in the 300-page report are two deeply troubling recommendations related to charitable status. Specifically, the Committee recommends that the government:
- Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of charity which would remove the privileged status of “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose (#430)
- No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations (#429)
These recommendations, if adopted, would directly impact Christian ministries, churches, and pregnancy care centres across Canada.
As Julia Beazley, Director of Public Policy at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, shared on 100 Huntley Street, “It’s really significant that this recommendation (#430) has been put on the table.” She added, “Strong advocacy on this now, at this point, could hopefully prevent it from ever becoming government policy down the road.” If adopted, these proposed changes could strip away the charitable status of thousands of churches and Christian ministries like Crossroads—impacting our ability to continue the work God has called us to do.
Why Does This Matter?
More than 30,000 registered charities in Canada—roughly 42% of the sector—fall under the “advancement of religion” including Christian churches. Christian ministries like Crossroads represent a large portion of that number.
At Crossroads, our charitable status is what allows us to offer:
24/7 Prayer Lines reaching thousands of Canadians every month
Faith-based TV and Media programs that encourage and inspire hope
Community outreach to the most vulnerable
Life-changing spiritual care
These proposed changes would devastate Christian ministries and the people we serve. It could limit the reach of our message, restrict our ability to fundraise and reduce the vital care we provide to Canadians coast to coast.
What’s at Stake?
- Our ability to share the Gospel in Canada
- Our prayer support ministry, faith-based programming, and spiritual care
- Life-affirming support for women through Christian pregnancy care centres
- Essential community services and outreach
- The potential for rapid church closures
Religious communities—including Christian ministries—are part of the social fabric of our nation. We bring hope, foster belonging, and serve those in our neighbourhoods who are most in need.
Now is not the time to destabilize Christian charities—it’s a time to strengthen them.
How Can You Help Protect Ministries Like Crossroads?
Stay informed about Recommendation 430 and the impact on Christian ministries
Ask your local MP Candidates how they will support religious charities
Pray for Crossroads, Christian ministries, and Canada
Learn more and get involved: evangelicalfellowship.ca/protect-charitable
Join us in prayer for Canada: crossroads.ca/strongandfree
For over 60 years, Crossroads has shared the Good News of Jesus with Canadians. Now, that mission is at risk. Together, let’s stand in unity as we live out our faith, serve our communities, and continue being a voice of hope in Canada.
