City Cites “Operational Challenges” as Reason for Denying Outdoor Worship Permit, Sparking Backlash From Faith Leaders and Freedom Advocates
In a controversial decision drawing criticism from religious freedom advocates, the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has denied a permit to missionary and worship leader Sean Feucht for a scheduled outdoor worship gathering in Central Park on August 20. The event was part of Feucht’s cross-country “Revive in 25” tour, which seeks to spark spiritual renewal across Canada.
The city cited “operational challenges” and community concern over Feucht’s rhetoric as reasons for the permit denial, according to a report by the CBC. However, critics of the decision argue that it is part of a growing pattern of government resistance to Christian gatherings, especially those that hold countercultural or conservative views.
Feucht responded to the cancellation on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Winnipeg is now canceling our permit to worship OUTDOORS next month.
Did they not learn anything about what happened last week across Canada?
This is going to backfire spectacularly! 🙏🏽🔥”
Feucht appears to reference the high turnout and overwhelming public response to previous stops on the tour, including large crowds in Montreal that gathered in defiance of government pushback. Videos from those events showed hundreds lifting their voices in prayer and worship, with spontaneous baptisms and testimonies marking many of the gatherings.
A Pattern of Cancelations
The Winnipeg permit denial is not the first obstacle Feucht and his team have encountered on Canadian soil. Several cities have reportedly attempted to block or restrict permits, raising concerns among faith leaders and free speech advocates who say Christian expression is being selectively targeted.
Feucht, a former Bethel Music worship leader and founder of the “Let Us Worship” movement, became known during the pandemic for organizing open-air worship events in cities across the U.S. where church gatherings were restricted. His events have drawn both massive support and significant controversy for their unapologetic stand on faith, culture, and politics.
Pushback and Revival
Despite official roadblocks, Feucht’s revival meetings have often seen turnout swell in response to cancelation attempts. “Every time they try to shut us down, more people show up,” Feucht said in a recent livestream. “There’s hunger in Canada for revival. They can’t stop the move of God.”
Christian leaders across Canada have also voiced concern about the growing hostility toward public expressions of faith. Some are calling on municipal governments to respect the Charter rights of assembly and religion, warning that actions like Winnipeg’s may only galvanize further support for the movement.
A Time for Boldness
Feucht’s “Revive in 25” tour continues amid spiritual and political tensions, but he says the mission remains the same: to call a nation back to Jesus. Whether in churches, parks, or city squares, Feucht and his team are pressing forward.
