The City of Moncton is facing a lawsuit from a religious non-profit over the cancellation of a concert last summer, according to court documents filed on Aug. 4. Burn 24/7 Canada, an organization founded by American Christian rocker and missionary Sean Feucht, filed a notice of action in Moncton court seeking $50,000 in damages. The legal action stems from the municipal government’s decision on July 22, 2025, to revoke permits for a scheduled musical worship event at Riverfront Park, citing code of conduct violations and security concerns regarding expected protests.
Burn 24/7 Canada Lawsuit and Charter Claims
According to the statement of claim filed by Burn 24/7 Canada, the municipal cancellation infringed upon the organization’s freedom of expression under section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The court filing states that the infringements are not trivial and relate to fundamental civil liberties underpinning Canadian democracy. Organizers asserted that safety concerns were not a legitimate justification for stopping the event, alleging instead that the city acted due to the perception of Feucht’s conservative Christian values and his public support for the elected president of the United States. The filing notes that the event itself would not have included Feucht’s personal or political views had it proceeded.
The group’s legal claims have not yet been tested in court. As of Tuesday afternoon, no response to the claim appeared on the New Brunswick court website, and a city representative told CBC News via email that the municipality will not comment on active litigation.
Did You Know?
Sean Feucht unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Congress as a Republican in 2020 and toured Canadian cities throughout the spring and summer of 2025 as part of his “Let Us Worship” tour.
Logistical Disruption and Financial Impact
Following the permit revocation just two days before the scheduled show, organizers scrambled to relocate the gathering. According to court filings, the event was moved to a place described in court documents as “Bar None Camp” in Taxis River, a settlement north of Fredericton, because it was the only location that would host the event on such short notice. Burn 24/7 Canada reported incurring various expenses for the relocation, including liability insurance, printing for outreach materials, portable toilets, and fuel. The organization anticipated drawing 1,000 attendees to the original Moncton location, but only 200 people showed up at the Fredericton-area site. Consequently, donations collected during the gathering to cover tour expenses dropped significantly.
The statement of claim details that Burn 24/7 met with city officials on April 4, 2025, to propose the concert and worship service. Organizers maintained they complied with all municipal requests, providing a site plan, insurance details, precise timing, and information regarding porta-potties and potable water. The city initially approved the event on April 30, 2025, and organizers stated they had trained volunteers prepared to manage security on site.
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Broader Tour Cancellations and Legal Precedents
Feucht’s scheduled performances were also cancelled near Halifax and Charlottetown last year. Additionally, Burn 24/7 filed a lawsuit against Quebec City last November after municipal authorities there cancelled one of Feucht’s events. Media inquiries sent to the organization and Feucht for comment regarding the Moncton lawsuit did not receive a response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the City of Moncton cancel the Sean Feucht concert?
The City of Moncton revoked the necessary permits on July 22, 2025, citing non-compliance with the city’s Code of Conduct in City Facilities and safety concerns tied to expected protests.
How much money is Burn 24/7 Canada seeking in the lawsuit?
The religious non-profit is seeking $50,000 in damages in its notice of action filed in Moncton court.
Where was the concert eventually held?
Organizers moved the event to a place described in court documents as “Bar None Camp” in Taxis River, a settlement north of Fredericton, after securing the location on short notice.