Statement: BURN Owen Sound Responds to Controversy & Event Cancellation
Burn Owen Sound suggests media coverage drove safety concerns that resulted in the event’s cancellation—a claim not supported by the City and addressed in an editor’s note.
Editor’s Note: This will be the last direct email to readers on this issue. We apologize for the volume, but these updates are happening outside of our regular publishing schedule. We received this statement after 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and have included a closing Editor’s Note to address a new suggestion made herein.
Statement to the Owen Sound Current, from BURN Owen Sound
BURN is a global organization with representation in many countries. While BURN USA is the founding body of the movement, it does not hold authority or control over BURN Canada, its decisions, or its local chapters such as Burn Owen Sound.
From time to time, BURN Canada collaborates with other national branches to organize large-scale events, but each entity operates independently.
In response to your comments regarding Sean Feucht and his political views, we want to make it clear that Burn Owen Sound does not share or endorse those views.
We appreciate your concerns and the attention brought to this connection, and we are taking these matters seriously as we reflect on any affiliations that exist.
In light of the controversy surrounding Burn Canada, we had planned to proceed with tomorrow’s event by removing all signage and any affiliation with BURN, focusing solely on our local community.
However, due to safety concerns arising from media coverage, we respect the decision made by Police Services and the City to revoke our permit at this time.
We believe you will agree that we all have fundamental rights to freedom of speech and the freedom to worship wherever we choose. The event planned at Kelso Beach was intended to bring people together and unite our community in worship and love of our Lord.
As we move forward, Burn Owen Sound’s ongoing relationship with Burn Canada will be part of our continued discussions and prayerful consideration.
We thank you for granting us the opportunity to respond.
Respectfully,
Deena Spencer
On behalf of Burn Owen Sound Committee
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
Editor’s Note: While we respect Burn Owen Sound’s right to respond, the claim that the event was cancelled “due to safety concerns arising from media coverage” is misdirected and has no basis in fact.
The City of Owen Sound has not stated that media coverage influenced its decision to revoke the permit. As with other ‘Burn’ events across Canada, cancellations are occurring due to public safety concerns tied to the organization’s affiliations with its founder, a controversial U.S.-based activist with strong views targeting LGTBQ2S+, Black, and other groups of people.
The City’s cancellation statement read: “Due to evolving safety considerations and based on input from Owen Sound Police Services, the City has determined that the potential impacts to community members, event attendees and event organizers are heightened and has revoked the permit for the event.”
Deflecting blame onto the media not only misrepresents the facts, but also overlooks the public’s right to transparency when events take place on municipal property. Holding organizations accountable through accurate reporting protects public trust, and journalism remains essential to that democratic function.
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This is why “The Current” gets my subscription. Relevant reporting. Full circle contacts. In the end, a continued opportunity for community to stand up together and for each other.
Imagine (them) starting or organizing a group without knowing who its founder is, who it's affiliated with? No, neither can I.