The RCMP members were present for public safety and to support AHS, and did not go inside the church,” said RCMP in a March 10 statement. “The Church was non-compliant with the Public Health Order in that it was over the allowed capacity. "The Pastor's actions, and the subsequent effects those actions could have on the health and safety of citizens, dictated our response in this situation."Įarlier this month, the RCMP charged the church as an entity for holding worship services in February that exceeded the limit of 15% capacity. ![]() "We've been consistent in our approach of escalated levels of enforcement with this pastor, and we were hopeful to resolve this issue in a different manner," said Inspector Mike Lokkenin a February statement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Alberta Health Services have been investigating the church, with Coates turning himself in to authorities last month in response to charges. Officials accused GraceLife Church of violating public health guidelines on multiple occasions by holding worship services where attendees did not social distance or wear face masks. The JCCF represents several churches that are legally challenging provincial restrictions on houses of worship, arguing that they go against Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. “We look forward appearing in court in May and demanding the government provide evidence that public health restrictions that violate the freedoms of religion, peaceful assembly, expression and association are scientific and are justifiable in a free and democratic country,” stated Carpay.Ī spokesperson for the JCCF told The Christian Post on Thursday afternoon that Coates' release was still pending because the Crown needs to go before the court to present the agreed-upon terms and get the court to sign off on those terms.Īccording to JCCF, one charge against Coates has not been withdrawn because "Justice Centre and Pastor Coates want the matter heard at trial, to determine the constitutionality of the public health order that churches only hold worship services at 15% capacity." JCCF President John Carpay argued in a statement that the restrictions that Coates disobeyed were “unscientific and unconstitutional.” He is optimistic about the trial set to start on May 3. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, a Calgary-based law firm representing Coates, announced Wednesday that the pastor could be released as early as next Monday, pending his trial in May. Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta turned himself in to authorities last month after being charged with violating the Public Health Act by holding worship services that reportedly violated public health guidelines. | GraceLife ChurchĪ pastor in Canada who was arrested for refusing to adhere to COVID-19 worship restrictions will be released from jail after prosecutors dropped all but one of the charges against him. I have a responsibility to be obedient to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and it’s simply that obedience that has me here in this place.Canadian Pastor James Coates with his family in this undated photo. I have a responsibility before God to Shepard the people entrusted to me. I’m not trying to make a point, I’m not a political revolutionary. “Please make no mistake, this is not a statement that I’m making to society. ![]() “I’m simply here in obedience to Jesus Christ and it’s my obedience to Christ that has put me at odds with the law at present,” said Coates. He spoke of his responsibility to his church and his Lord and Saviour. “So if he wants to make a statement, he’s made a statement but I’m dealing with the statement that society wants to make about people who refuse to follow public health orders during a pandemic.”Ĭoates was given an opportunity to speak before the court on Monday and said his integrity and word have remained consistent. Coates as an accused, as a convicted person now, as well as a proper deterrence for others that might feel that I can violate the directions of the chief medical officer of health and get a $100 fine, that’s why there’s concern,” explained Champion. “I question whether a $100 fine is a proper denunciation of the conduct of Mr. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
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