Seattle is bracing for tension this weekend as Christian worship leader Sean Feucht brings his Revive in ’25 tour to the city, despite calls from LGBTQ activists to revoke his permit.

Feucht, a singer and conservative activist, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when he launched the Let Us Worship movement to protest government restrictions on religious gatherings. Since then, he has been a polarizing figure, known for his fiery defense of religious liberty and his controversial comments about politics and sexuality.

Activists Demand Cancellation

Eight Canadian cities have already canceled stops on Feucht’s tour this month. Now, Seattle activists are urging city officials to follow suit.

Charlette LeFevre, director of Capitol Hill Pride, told KING 5 News that Feucht’s rally amounts to “malicious harassment and incitement” against the LGBTQ community. “This is not what Seattle is about,” she said.

In response, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made clear that free speech protections prevent the city from shutting down the event. “The law is crystal clear. You cannot shut down a venue on anticipated speech,” Harrell explained. “Any group under the First Amendment has a right to use one of our public assets, such as a park, to have assembly. That’s embedded in the First Amendment, and we have to respect the First Amendment.”

Progressive outlet The Stranger reported that Lavender Rights Project, a Black transgender feminist group, along with 15 partner organizations, plans to host a counter event to oppose what they call Feucht’s “propaganda machine.”

A History of Conflict

This is not the first-time worship rallies in Seattle have sparked controversy. In May, violence broke out at Cal Anderson Park during a Don’t Mess With Our Kids rally organized by MayDayUSA. Pro-LBGTQ counter-protesters clashed with rally attendees, leading to 23 arrests. Police reported that objects were thrown, and one officer required medical treatment after being assaulted.

Mayor Harrell at the time blamed both the rally and “anarchists” who infiltrated the protests for escalating tensions.

Feucht himself has faced similar challenges in Seattle before. In 2020, city officials closed Gas Works Park on the day of one of his planned rallies, citing COVID concerns. Feucht blasted the decision as discriminatory.

“It was obviously a targeting and discrimination towards believers in the city,” he told Fox News at the time. “It’s the height of hypocrisy right now that they’re letting these cities succumb to rioting and burning and pillaging and yet they’re targeting Christians.”

Standing Firm in Faith

Despite the backlash, Feucht insists he will not be deterred. In comments to Fox News Digital ahead of this weekend’s concert, he acknowledged the resistance but reaffirmed his mission.

“Every single time we come to worship in Seattle, we face many different kinds of resistance,” he said. “However, as you’ve seen through the five-year history of Let Us Worship, we refuse to back down for anything. Today, in the bluest city in America, the praises of God will be lifted up, and the people of God will gather. This is our right as Americans, and this is our call as Christians.”

City Leaders Walk a Tightrope

Harrell’s office reiterated that the city cannot block the worship event simply because of its message. “Under the First Amendment, the City cannot decline a permit based on the anticipated message of the event or views of the organizers,” the mayor’s spokesperson said.

At the same time, city leaders emphasized their support for Seattle’s LGBTQ community. “Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Hollingsworth’s request to the organizers to move from Cal Anderson Park and Capitol Hill to another location was based on maintaining public safety,” the statement read. “We will continue working with LGBTQ+ residents and organizations to uplift our community and create a welcoming, inclusive city for all.”