Christian nationalist musician Sean Feucht claimed religious persecution when his “Let Us Worship” tour was blocked from eight Canadian cities this month. In a blazing opinion piece, Canadian Christian musician Elias Dummer struck back at Feucht, claiming his narrative was revenue-driven rather than ministry-based.
“Canadians aren’t buying what Sean Feucht is selling. Neither am I,” Dummer said bluntly in his opinion piece for Premier Christianity.
“Churches meet weekly, and more, from coast to coast. Other Christian music tours travel across Canada without interruption—I’ve done it myself. Meanwhile, Sean cries wolf,” said Dummer.
Now, Feucht has responded. And it’s become nasty.
In a video posted to Instagram on Monday, Feucht poked fun at Dummer’s last name and said, “The writer, aptly named Elias Dummer, probably needs a little help with journalistic integrity.”
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Feucht also called Premier Christianity “seriously woke and in bed with the leftist government.”
Going on to state that religious persecution was real, Feucht explained what it looked like.
“(He’s) denying the fact that over 100 churches have been burned to the ground, that pastors have been thrown into prison for hosting church services, that churches have been fined for worshiping indoors, and that these are probably mostly peaceful smoke bombs that are being thrown,” Feucht said passionately.
Feucht did not state the source of these facts, or which country he was referring to. However, he did encourage his followers to post articles in the comments sharing these facts. He then asked people to sign his “Let Us Worship” petition and to attend his Canadian tour dates.
Hundreds of responses followed—many from supporters who offered prayers. But in the mix, Christian musicians expressed disapproval.
“You blatantly liking peoples comments making fun of someone’s name?” wrote Abby Siler, a rising Christian pop singer who released a duet with Dummer in March. “How can you call yourself any kind of pastor? This isn’t the gospel.”
Dove-nominated musician Chris Cleveland, who goes by the moniker Stars Go Dim also posted, stating that his original comment had been deleted by Feucht’s team.
“In all my experience and time playing Christian music all around the world, including Canada, I have NEVER experienced any type of persecution,” he said.
“When @seanfeucht began his rise to notoriety by claiming this type of persecution in the states during Covid – many of us held concerts and events without issue. We simply got the necessary permits in order to hold gatherings,” he said.
Premier Christianity magazine was also quick to reply, highlighting that they gave Feucht the opportunity to respond.
It seems like Dummer’s original piece struck a chord with Feucht, for all the wrong reasons.
In his original article, Dummer said that Feucht and his movement had been blocked from areas of Canada due to unethical conduct. Citing character flaws in Feucht, testimony of unethical conduct towards volunteers, and staged salvations, Dummer’s response to Feucht’s cries hold more weight than most.
Dummer has witnessed how the evangelical industrial complex and Christian nationalism is used in contemporary Christian music firsthand.
The Hamilton, Ontario-based musician was formerly a member of The City Harmonic, a Juno Award-winning worship group. Dummer moved stateside when the band broke up and planted a church in Nolensville, Tennessee.
He would later achieve success as a soloist before returning to Canada, garnering more 100 million streams over his career. Dummer then co-founded Worship Leader Research—a research project partnering with Baylor University, Belmont University, Kingswood University, and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Given this experience, Dummer didn’t shy away from Feucht’s response to his article. In fact, he went right for the jugular and fact-checked the once Republican congressman hopeful.
He started with Feucht’s declaration that 100 churches (presumably in Canada) had burned to the ground. Dummer highlighted that this was connected to a spate of arson attacks starting in 2021, after the discovery of unmarked graves near former church-run reformer schools. Citing his source as CBC, he shared that a total 33 churches burned, and they were on indigenous lands and tied directly in community memory to the church’s historic role in operating those schools.
“100 churches didn’t burn to the ground and the vandalism lumped together in this misleading claim has little or nothing to do with Jesus at all, and everything to do with the sort of nonsense that happens when Christians align with Empire, which is something Sean seems keen to do,” Dummer said.
He followed it up with another fact check, akin to a journalist during a presidential debate. This time, it was regarding Feucht’s claim that pastors had been put in prison for hosting church services.
Dummer stated that approximately 12 pastors and churches had faced legal consequences for violating COVID regulations with most being dismissed. He added that the same was true for everyday citizens and secular businesses in Canada, but on a larger scale.
“This isn’t religious persecution,” Dummer reinforced. “It’s the predictable consequence of civil disobedience during emergency orders followed by courts sorting it out, as courts do so. Why does Sean manufacture drama? Because the drama is the product.”
Highlighting Feucht’s connection with MAGA-affiliated organizations and Donald Trump, Dummer was visibly incensed by Feucht’s statements—apparently, as both a Christian and a Canadian.
“For a man so publicly aligned with someone actively undermining Canadian sovereignty, selling Christian persecution in Canada, (this)is more than a little bit cynical,” said Dummer. “What’s under attack is honesty. I can’t think of a clearer example of taking the Lord’s name in vain than you.”
Feucht has yet to respond to Dummer’s video. Feucht will appear at five tour dates across Canada later this month, and is promoting his new album “Worship From The White House”.
This article has been updated.
Jessica Morris is a music journalist, podcaster and author based in Melbourne, Australia.
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29 Responses
So many are deceived by Feucht. They think he is a “good, solid, Christian family man”. Looks can be deceiving, though, as we know. Moreover, the “prettier” they are, the more likely the are to be rooted in deception because if the lies were wrapped in an “ugly” wrapper it would be more difficult to pull one over on us all.
There are people in my own community that well, I hate to say it, but they worship at his feet. They have made him into an idol. I have tried to warn them. Maybe now they will see. And that is what I pray for. Put down these idols, pick up your bible. It’s all you need.
“Moreover, the “prettier” they are, the more likely the are to be rooted in deception because if the lies were wrapped in an “ugly” wrapper it would be more difficult to pull one over on us all.”
Successful sociopaths have to be masters of disguise and camouflage.
What do you think the Rabbi from Tarsus was saying when he penned “For Satan himself can transform himself to appear as an Angel of Light”?
Peggy Hicks,
Evidence that he’s not a solid Christian family man and is a liar, please?
Here’s your evidence, Brian. He’s a grifter. https://ministrywatch.com/sean-feucht-accused-of-moral-ethical-and-financial-failure-by-former-leaders/
Thank you. Although I am a Canadian living up in the Ottawa Valley, a fairly conservative area, I find Sean Feucht’s words and antics extremely misinformed, inflammatory, and embarassing as an evangelical and charismatic Christian.
Please take your MAGA stuff back to your country. Christ’s way to greatness is through dying to self and taking up your own cross — humility and sacrifice. He represents neither.
My apologies to our northern neighbors for yet another “ugly American” who does not understand Canadian history or respect its sovereignty.
And from Texas, I’ll add an AMEN.
Also from Texas, very much in agreement.
Feucht is a fraud and a phony. He is an actor raking in millions. Pay Cassandra, Sean!! Pay the people who worked tirelessly for you for free because you said that’s what the ministry is about! No it’s not, and you have taken advantage of people so you could have the upper hand and the money and fame! So what you have a photo with Trump. So what??
Barbara: I think the answer to your question is already in the Bible. Specifically Revelation 13: 16-17. Having one’s picture with Donald Trump is the MAGA-Christian Nationalist version of the mark of the beast. Those that have the mark (a picture with Trump) are then able to buy and sell to other followers. “The small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves” eventually all make a pilgrimage to Mar A Lago to show their obeisance and get their “mark” so they can share in the bounty of their cause.
Yes persecutions of Christians do occur in the world but there is a vast difference between persecutions and inconveniences. I assume that Feucht is confusing the former with the later.
When American capitalism (I’m not against it) and American christianity (against it) sleep together, you get these creatures like Sean Feucht and so many other celebrity preacher, money hungry clowns running around in the name of God. It’s a real possibility that God doesn’t even know them.
Not entirely against capitalism as a regulated economic system that works for the common good for US citizens either. But US capitalism is now far from that and the economic and social disparity in all forms is clear evidence even by conservative standards. Sadly, many entrepreneur types have evolved to become expoiters of this environment with church life for some being a delightful hunting ground to attain money, sexual gratification, status, control & power over others. Without doubt these types will never be caught selflessly washing peoples feet, more so if the feet belong to Mr & Mrs Nobody and their kids.
Interesting that there has been sermon after sermon related to the cultural environment Paul contended with in Corinth and his encouragement to the faith community in Corinth to not let this permeate their new lives in Christ. Yet many today willingly
overlook their own environment & cultural influences which likewise can easily disease the soul. 🤔
Real persecution happens in many countries. Christians are killed for their faith. They have to hides when they worship. Yet somehow, in the most free countries in the world, these people think they are persecuted. Honestly, isn’t it a blessing to be persecuted?
Thanks for calling Sean’s misleading deeds Mr. Dummer.
If Feucht is denied access to perform in *public* places but performers with equally or more extreme views on the other side (i.e. in favor of Palestine, abortion, whatever) are accepted without question–we have a problem, for “Western democracies” that allegedly uphold the 1st Amendment.
No particular fondness for SF is required to note that.
Mr. Dummer is correct in that:
1. Only pastors and very few were shut down due to violation of social distancing during Covid.
2. The supposed graves of Indigenous children found in BC turned out to be incorrect.
3. However, was not a church service in Montreal shut down by police who was hosting Sean shocked and appalled me.
4. Yes, Sean can keep his pro Trump Christian Nationalism hoopla south of the border…
Narcissists see anyone not bending over and worshipping them and giving them all they want even while they shamelessly break laws. We live in a society where we worship these people on all fronts from Obama and Trump to our leader Christian hypocrite celebrities galore.
“We used to call them ‘Degenerates’. Now we call them ‘Celebrities’ and try to Be Just Like Them.”
— Can’t remember the source, but it was an essay on what the French call “longing for the gutter”.
(And these days you can substitute “Influencer” for “Celebrity”.)
Bryan, Canada is not subject to america’s constitution or it’s amendments.
Jen Manlief,
The general shtick of *your* side is “we are the side that defends the Constitution”, “civil rights”, “democracy”, “freedom of speech”.
Now all of a sudden, the 1st Amendment isn’t applicable?
Brian, can you help me understand how the U.S. constitution applies to Canadians or Canada?
It’s Canada? literally NONE of the US constitution is applicable. They have their own laws.
Expecting an entirely different country to abide by american laws and constitution is …. misguided at best.
John McCollum, Jen Manlief,
You completely dodged me and I don’t think that’s an accident. I will repeat–your team or “tribe” is the one constantly talking about the Constitution, freedom of speech, civil rights, liberty etc.
Now, all of a sudden–you *don’t* defend free speech and expression?
Brian, who are you defining as “my team”? And you seem determined with your question, but I’ve already answered it, and it’s not the “gotcha” you seem to think it is.
To be clear, I do believe in those things for people in the US, because they are rights afforded to us by the US constitution. I also recognize the sovereignty of other nations, and understand that other nations get to make their own laws, and visitors to those nations have to abide by those laws when they’re there. US americans don’t get to demand their US constitutional rights in other countries, because those countries are not obligated to honor the US constitution.
Would I argue for Feuchts’ right to free speech in the US? sure. then I’m protest him when he shows up in my town. But even in the US, he needs to go through the proper permitting process, which he doesn’t always, and is part of the reason he gets shut down.
Jen Manlief,
Let me put it this way: because I’m *not* an “America Firster”, I believe innate human rights such as those guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights (based on Judeo-Christian-Deist principles) *should* and *do* apply to all mankind.
It’s why I care about persecuted believers in Africa, Asia, etc., or LGBTQs persecuted by sharia states etc. (even if I have some issues with their movement, in the West).
Is your argument that universal human rights don’t/shouldn’t apply to human beings in Canada?
Brian, I believe in universal human rights. I do not believe those rights are reflected fully in the US constitution, or in any country’s laws. I believe, as I see Jesus believing, that Jesus followers are to follow the laws of the land that they live/sojurn in, sacrificing their own personal “rights” for justice and/or the benefit of others. The other example that we see in scripture is that we should be willing to stand on our rights to, say, continue to preach the Gospel- but if there are consequences like being put in jail for it or worse, we bear it as the disciples gave us the example of.
In america we tend to get it exactly opposite of what Jesus modeled- we demand our own rights, and are indifferent to the injustice perpetrated on others. I’d argue that’s it’s NOT injustice that happened to Feucht, but the consequences of his own arrogance and stupidity- but even if it WAS injustice happening to him in Canada, that he was somehow being persecuted for his Faith in Jesus™, Jesus’ word and example is to bear it with grace. (which,btw, sean didn’t.)
Jen,
This is about as black and white as an issue has ever been in the history of right and wrong. While the U.S. Constitution may not be perfect, it comes as close to an impartial, ironclad declaration of universal human rights as has ever existed.
If Canada does not want to abide by such a framework, that reflects on them–not on us.
Feucht could be the most awful human being that’s ever existed (not saying that he is, and it’s besides the point), yet as a human created in God’s image he has the exact same intrinsic worth–and human rights–as Mother Theresa.
If these Canadian municipalities were handing out assembly permits for LGBTQ rallies and pro-Hamas demonstrations but not him, then yeah–there’s a structural, systemic problem in Canada’s laws–not in Feucht and not in our own system.
I do believe that every human has the image of God and inherent worth. I also believe that the US constitution is antiquated has a LOT of flaws, and should have been revised every 20 years or so as the founders intended, but never the less gets some things right.
I do not believe either of those beliefs has any impact on what citizens of one country. have the rights or abilities to do in other countries. American laws and freedoms don’t apply everywhere just because someone is an american citizen. Everyone is subject to the laws of the country they are in.
My understanding is that he wasn’t given permits because his values don’t align with Canadian values- and that’s entirely THEIR call to make. “Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante released a statement saying Feucht’s performances ran counter to the city’s “values of inclusion, solidarity, and respect,” according to Global News. While freedom of expression is valued there, she added, “hateful and discriminatory speech is not acceptable in Montreal.” https://julieroys.com/freedom-of-speech-religion-debate-emerges-as-sean-feucht-concerts-cancelled-in-canada/
If you’re gonna live counter culture to a country’s values, don’t be surprised when they don’t want you there?