A Popular Ontario Christmas Market Is Facing Backlash For Cutting Off A Christian Performer's Mic On Purpose
People are outraged at a popular Christmas Market after they literally turned off the mic when a group of performers tried to put the Christ back in Christmas. A Christian pastor and a group from his church were performing at the Kitchener Christkindl Market when they say they were intentionally cut off.
Pastor Jacob Reaume was one of the performers at the opening night of the Christmas market. He says when he started telling the biblical Christmas story of Jesus' birth, the event organizers turned off his microphone.
At first, he thought it was a technical glitch but as the problems went on, he realized the shut-off was actually intentional. The city of Kitchener which hosts the event confirmed this, saying "In its 22-year history, Christkindl Market has never had scripture or sermons as part of its scheduled programming and there is no venue for this within the four-day event."
Now the incident has sparked backlash. People are saying that it denies this group Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Expression and others are saying that turning off a religious group completely takes Christ out of Christmas.
The suppression of free religious expression when it comes to Christianity is becoming more and more common. This is flat out discrimination.
I just don't understand why it's offensive to celebrate a Christian holiday with Christian traditions. Every other religion is allowed to practice their religion in public. I thought Canada was all about equality.
ChristkindlChristJesus ChristChristmas Get it, now
Others, however, agree with the city's decision. They are arguing back online saying that preaching and Christian scripture belongs in a church and not at a Christmas market.
Some go as far as to say that Christmas isn't even just a Christian holiday anymore since so many other non-Christian groups and non-religious people celebrate it.
As it should have been!! its the christkindle MARKET , not church!
Things change. Possibly new people running the event. The idea that Christmas is for Christians is wrong. it was a long time ago, however, now it is something else.
This wasn't actually the first time Pastor Reaume and the group from his church performed at the market but it is the first time they were turned off. Last year, they say they gave the exact same performance with bible readings and all and weren't told that it was a problem.
The annual event took place in Kitchener this past weekend from December 6th to December 9th.
*Cover photo for illustrative purposes only.
Source: CTV