Grace amid controversy: Jaylene Johnson's response to Juno Awards' decision to remove Christian category

While there has been plenty of backlash to the recent announcement that the Juno Awards’ is placing four categories on "hiatus," including Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, there is also a growing call from Christian artists for grace.

A group made up of individuals and leaders in Canada's Christian music world sent out a press release on Wednesday, Sept. 11, expressing their disappointment. Jaylene Johnson, a prominent Canadian Christian artist and Juno nominee, was part of that group.

Johnson, who has extensive experience with both the Junos and GMA Covenant Awards, expressed deep disappointment upon learning of the category removal. “I was gutted,” Johnson said. “Initially, I didn’t know which categories were being cut, but it was disheartening when the details emerged. The Junos have yet to release a statement, so that's left a lot of questions unanswered.”

Related stories:

• Christian and Black music communities call for reversal of Juno Awards' decision to cut categories

• Christian music faces Juno Awards hiatus with determination: 'This is a shot in the arm'

• Juno Awards pulling Christian/Gospel category along with 3 others

Organizers of the Junos have yet to respond to a request for comment from Golden West.

Johnson emphasized that, despite the strong emotional reaction from the community, it's important to approach the situation with grace. “They haven't had a chance to release a statement and I think first of all, as believers, no matter what, we need to season our words with grace and understand that we represent Jesus,” she said.

“However angry we might feel or upset or hurt, our language needs to be seasoned with grace. We don’t want to burn bridges or misrepresent Christ. If there is an opportunity, I hope they will reconsider, I really do.”

Impact on the Christian and Black Music Communities

The Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year category, a fixture of the Juno Awards since 1998, has been crucial for showcasing talent and providing exposure. Johnson and other industry professionals argue that removing this category is a significant setback for both the Christian and Black music communities, which have relied on this platform for visibility.

On Wednesday evening, Johnson and other figures from the Christian music world released a joint statement expressing disappointment and hopes that the decision will be reveresed.

The statement criticized the removal as undermining the commitment to reconciliation, diversity, and equity that the Junos have previously championed. It emphasized that the removal of these categories contradicts CARAS’ own statement on diversity and inclusion, and negatively impacts a diverse range of artists.

The Role of Juno Awards in Artist Recognition

Johnson highlighted the Juno Awards' importance in providing a national platform for artists. “When you submit to the Junos, you get the attention of a panel and a jury of industry gatekeepers from across the country,” she explained. “Through my work with the Junos and the Covenant Awards, I’ve discovered many exceptional artists who might not have been visible otherwise. The Internet is crowded, and independent artists often struggle to gain traction.”

She also noted that the Juno Awards offered invaluable opportunities for gospel artists. “The gospel community has its own traditions, history, and industry,” Johnson said. “It has dedicated fan bases, radio support, and events. Being recognized on a national stage is crucial for these artists.”

Broader Implications and Criticisms

Johnson’s statement also addressed the broader implications of removing the Christian/Gospel category. “Through my work with GMA Canada and the Juno Music Advisory Committee,” Johnson says that Canada’s Christian and gospel artists make a vital contribution to the nation's cultural conversation. Removing the category, she says, excludes many artists from that dialogue and contradicts CARAS’ stated values.

The joint statement underscored that the decision runs counter to CARAS’ commitment to diversity and inclusion. It argued that Christian and gospel music, particularly gospel music rooted in Black culture, plays a significant role in Canada’s cultural landscape, offering spiritual and emotional support.

Johnson says the industry awaits further clarification from CARAS regarding the decision. Johnson and other stakeholders are calling for a reconsideration of the category removal, emphasizing the need for continued recognition of diverse musical contributions within the Canadian awards landscape.