The Federal Government’s “New Religion”: Obedience – A Critical Look at Rainbow Faith and Freedom
Sheila Gunn Reid of Rebel News delivers a pointed exposé on what she calls the federal government’s “new religion”: obedience. The video investigates how Canadian tax dollars are funding Rainbow Faith and Freedom, an activist organization with a mandate to change-not just support-religious beliefs and practices regarding sexuality and gender identity.
Government Funding for Ideological Change
According to Reid, Rainbow Faith and Freedom’s mission goes far beyond promoting inclusivity. Citing information from the group’s own website, she explains that their stated goal is to transform religious attitudes and practices related to sexuality by creating and disseminating faith-based educational resources. These resources are designed to spread messages of acceptance and inclusiveness, specifically targeting faith communities that may not already embrace such views.
A Database of “Obedient” Faith Communities
One of the most controversial aspects highlighted is the development of a government-funded database. This registry will track churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples across Canada, rating them on their level of inclusion and welcome toward 2SGBTQ+ individuals. Reid argues that while LGBTQ+ individuals may have a legitimate interest in knowing how welcoming a faith community is, the involvement and funding by the federal government crosses a constitutional line. She claims this is an attempt by the state to monitor and ultimately influence religious doctrine and practice.
Nearly $1 Million in Federal Grants
The video details that Rainbow Faith and Freedom received $400,000 in 2022 for a 24-month project aimed at ending religious-based discrimination in Ontario’s faith sector. In 2024, they were awarded nearly $500,000 more to focus on religious senior facilities. Reid frames this as almost $1 million of taxpayer money directed toward what she describes as “reprogramming” faith-based organizations into political echo chambers.
Potential Threats to Religious Freedom
Reid draws a direct line from the creation of this database to a broader government plan: the possibility of stripping churches and religious charities of their tax-exempt status if they do not conform to “the new woke orthodoxy.” She references warnings from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, who see this as a threat to traditional religious beliefs and practices.
Historical Parallels and Stark Warnings
The video draws a provocative comparison between these Canadian government actions and the Chinese Communist Party’s approach to religion-building databases, funding compliant churches, blacklisting dissenters, and even rewriting scripture. Reid suggests that while the Canadian approach is less overtly authoritarian, it represents a “creeping religious persecution” that could escalate from loss of charitable status to fines, prosecutions, and even criminalization of orthodox sermons.
“If the government can fund activists to change your faith today, they can punish you for refusing to change tomorrow. This isn’t freedom. This is not inclusivity. It’s not compassion. It’s a hostile takeover of theology by the state.”
Call to Action
Reid closes by urging viewers to recognize the seriousness of these developments, warning that if left unchecked, every house of worship in Canada could become “just another office of the Liberal Party of Canada.” She encourages viewers to support Rebel News’s ongoing coverage of these issues and to stay vigilant in defense of religious freedom.
