Is Feuchts message any different from our local believers?
As the controversial Christian nationalist Sean Feucht prepares to bring his divisive message to the Okanagan, many local residents have rightfully expressed discomfort and disgust. But while Feucht’s rhetoric may be brash and inflammatory, we must ask ourselves a harder question: is his message really that different from what quietly happens every day under the tax-subsidized roofs of some local churches?
Feucht promotes a Eurocentric brand of Christianity rooted in nationalism, cultural superiority, and exclusion. His belief is simple: the world would be better if everyone conformed to his interpretation of faith and morality. It’s a worldview that erases difference in the name of salvation, and it’s not unique to Feucht.
Right here in the Okanagan, many churches raise and send hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas to “spread the word” with global mission campaigns that often replicate the same colonial, anti-diversity ideologies Feucht champions. Let’s stop pretending these efforts are simply faith based altruistic assistance. They’re about control, and in many cases, about exporting intolerance under the guise of religious charity.
And here’s the worst part: we’re all paying for it. These organizations operate out of buildings and on land that receive generous property tax exemptions, supposedly because they serve a public good. But when churches promote exclusion, or fund overseas campaigns that undermine pluralism and diversity, how is that a benefit to our community?
We absolutely have the right to protest events like Feucht’s. But there’s a more impactful, long-term action we can take: demand accountability from the religious organizations that receive public support. If a group wants to preach Christian nationalism and exclusion, it shouldn’t be subsidized by the very public it seeks to divide.
The time for passive tolerance is over. If we want a city built on respect and equality, it starts with ending our complicity. Let us not pay to reinforce religious supremacy.
Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association is calling on Kelowna City Council to end property tax exemptions for religious organizations that do not demonstrate inclusive, community-serving outcomes.
Let’s make sure our public funds are used to build a diverse, welcoming, and truly supportive community.
Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association
Go to KASHA’s page on challenging religious property tax exemptions HERE
