If anything, we see our actions as contributing to its end-the end of destructive lockdowns and the end of the attempt to institutionalize the debilitating fear of viral infections.” “We do not see our actions as perpetuating the longevity of COVID-19 or any other virus that will inevitably come along. “We believe love for our neighbor demands that we exercise our civil liberties,” the church wrote. GraceLife leaders consider the COVID-19 risks overblown and claim that their ability to continue gathering without spreading the virus is proof. He said while he respects the 15 percent capacity limit for gatherings, “it is a different line to cross to barricade a church, a place of God.” ![]() Alberta legislator Dan Williams, a conservative politician and a Christian, spoke up to defend worship as a fundamental freedom. The GraceLife case has drawn the attention of those in both Canada and the US who fear government overreach during pandemic. He suggested that more stringent enforcement by police may be necessary at this point, saying authorities have “been very patient during a difficult time trying to get compliance through education, through voluntary compliance, and using sanctions as a last resort.” Premier Jason Kenney told Albertans a week ago that the province is in its third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which represents GraceLife and its pastor James Coates, said the move to barricade private church property prevents citizens from “exercising their Charter freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and worship.”Īs officials surrounded the church, dozens of GraceLife members gathered outside and sang hymns, according to a report by the Globe and Mail. Its pastor was arrested and spent a month in jail refusing the conditions of bail, that he agree to follow health regulations. ![]() Over the last nine months, the province’s health department fielded more than 100 complaints about GraceLife and conducted 18 inspections, resulting in multiple fines and orders to comply. The congregation has met normally since summer 2020, despite requirements that church gatherings limit capacity, require masks, and practice social distancing. Police vehicles blocked entrances to the parking lot of GraceLife Church in Edmonton Wednesday morning and temporary fencing was erected around the building. His wife Erin posted a picture on Instagram of the four reuniting.Health officials in Alberta, Canada, made the decision to “physically close” a local church building until its leaders agree to finally comply with coronavirus regulations. I am simply here in obedience with Jesus Christ it is this obedience that put me at odds with the law." ![]() Pastor Coates turned himself in to authorities on 16th February after being charged with contravention of the Public Health Act and had been in custody since then.Īppearing in court on Monday, local media reported that he defended his stance saying, "I am not a political revolutionary. He was then released on the condition that he would not breach the restrictions again, but a week later the authorities attended the church and saw further violations. He could have been fined $2,000 or sentenced to six months in prison.įather of two, Pastor Coates was charged on 7th February with breaching compulsory distancing and capacity restrictions. James Coates of GraceLife Church has been fined $1,500, a reduced penalty as a result of the 35 days he spent in jail. A Canadian pastor who was arrested and held in custody in Canada for violating Covid-19 restrictions by holding in-person services has been released.
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