The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is facing backlash after announcing that four categories, including Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, will be put on "hiatus" for the 2025 Juno Awards.

Christian and Black music communities are calling for a reversal of the decision, which also affects Reggae Recording of the Year, Children's Album of the Year, and International Album of the Year.

The move has hit particularly hard in the Contemporary Christian/Gospel category, which has been a part of the Juno Awards since 1998.

In a press release sent out from a group of artists and industry leaders, they say the decision undermines CARAS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and could stifle opportunities for underrepresented artists.

Jaylene Johnson, who works with GMA Canada and serves as the co-chair of the Juno Music Advisory Committee for the Christian/Gospel category, voiced her concerns, saying, "The elimination of the Christian/Gospel category from Canada’s national music awards removes hundreds of artists from that conversation. Not only is this exclusion profoundly discouraging, it runs against CARAS’ own stated values.”

In response to the decision, the Black Music Business Collective, ADVANCE Canada, expressed disappointment over how it affects Black artists, noting that Gospel and Reggae are genres largely produced by Black creatives.

CARAS has yet to respond to a request for comment on the decision.

Removal of Juno categories is 'counter-productive and even harmful'

The release says that the  "'hiatus' undermines the Christian/Gospel music community’s commitment to reconciliation, diversity, and equity, and stands in stark contrast to CARAS’ own previously affirmed commitments, available here: CARAS Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

"If the JUNO Awards are intended to celebrate the diverse and rich musical landscape of Canada, this decision is counter-productive and even harmful. It affects a broad spectrum of artists, including many from underrepresented and marginalized communities, who have long relied on nominations and awards to gain national recognition and reach a wider audience. Their exclusion threatens to diminish the visibility and appreciation of these artists, who make important contributions to Canada’s diverse musical heritage."

Hopeful for reversal of Juno categories removal

Industry professionals and advocacy groups continue pushing for CARAS to reconsider. They are also calling for more transparency in the category selection process.

"Through my work with GMA Canada and the Juno Music Advisory Committee,” says Johnson, “it has been confirmed to me time and again that Canada’s Christian and Gospel artists make an essential, and beautiful, contribution to our country's cultural conversation.

"The elimination of the Christian/Gospel category from Canada’s national music awards removes hundreds of artists from that conversation. Not only is this exclusion profoundly discouraging, it runs against CARAS’ own stated values. In the words of Mme Pascale St-Onge, Canada’s Heritage minister, ‘Music is a unifying force that brings us together and makes our stories resonate worldwide.’ Canadian Christian and Gospel stories - stories that bring light to dark places, hope to the discouraged - are worth celebrating on a national stage. More information from CARAS is forthcoming, and I would like to think they will reconsider.”