[ItsJeff]

I think the headline is misleading. When I saw that someone was "accused of a hate crime," I assumed that criminal charges had been brought.

But that's not what happened at all. Instead, the priest was "accused," apparently, by six letters to the editor.

[B Knotts]

Not to worry; I'm sure he and the paper will be fined by some "civil rights commission."

[Polycarp]

I didn't write the headline/title, I just posted it.

However, in Canada, under its current laws, there is a very good chance this priest will indeed be criminally charged.

[Sloth]

I agree, but people have been criminally penalized just for publishing Bible verses in Canada.

[Old Professer]

The headline is correct; it is you who is confused. An accusation can be brought or made by anyone while a charge must be brought by legal authority.

I, too, was willing to accept that official charges had been brought just because it came from Canada.