The city of Toronto in Canada has decided to ban the annual music festival held by Voices of the Nations (VON) since it plays songs that carry the name of "Jesus." According to authorities, singing Jesus' name in public violates the city policy against "proselytising."
The "multi denominational" event held by VON has been celebrating Christianity through live music and dance since 2006, using the Yonge-Dundas Square as a venue, Life Site News reported. During the Aug. 1 event, they even got 19 different performances by children's choirs and well-known Christian bands.
However, they might not get to celebrate Christian songs anymore next year since Natalie Belman, the city official in charge of issuing permits, has reprimanded them for singing songs that repeatedly use the name of "Jesus."
"If you're praising Jesus, 'praise the Lord,' and 'there's no God like Jehovah,' that type of thing, that's proselytising," she said.
Belman was most likely referring to the song "Days of Elijah," since its lyrics repeatedly say, "There's no God like Jehovah."
VON Events Coordinator Leye Oyelani hoped that the Square's Manager of Events would reconsider even as he tried to apply for next year's permit via phone call. However, he was informed that a permit would not be issued and they should start looking for a different venue.
"I've already advised Peter (Paresh, Director of VON) that we're not going to be permitting you guys this year for next year because of the proselytising on the square, and that's a big issue for us," said Belman.
VON has already created a petition to be given to Toronto's mayor, demanding that "Christians have as much right as anybody else to be in a public space and to sing about the faith they hold dear."
