Physical distancing between members of different households must be maintained. Police 'furthering investigation' after GraceLife Church defies health restrictions againįaith-based services across Alberta are limited to 15 per cent of normal capacity and mask use is mandatory.GraceLife pastor held in custody for refusing to comply with bail conditions.(David Bajer/CBC)Ĭoates has addressed the province's health restrictions in his sermons, telling worshippers that governments exist as instruments of God and there should be unfettered freedom of worship.Īn associate pastor of the church, Jacob Spenst, conducted last Sunday's service and told the congregation that messages of support have been pouring in for the jailed pastor.Ĭoates's arrest last Wednesday marked the second time he was charged with breaking public health rules tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
#Pastor james coates in jail code#
A closure order was issued in January but was repeatedly ignored.Ĭoates was twice charged in February with violating the Public Health Act and violating a promise to abide by rules of his release, which is a Criminal Code offence.Ībout 10 supporters for Coates protested outside the courthouse Wednesday morning. Police fined the church $1,200 in December. Edmonton and Calgary churches defy public health orders as Alberta reports 328 new COVID-19 cases."He is faithful, he is courageous, and he is honouring the Lord." Tucker said she has been in touch with the pastor's wife and has been told he is doing OK in jail. We pray that churches will open, that churches stand up and say this is not right." We have the right to go to church and worship God the way that God tells us to. "Our governing authorities are acting criminally and all this is against our constitutional rights and freedoms," said Jasmine Tucker, who has been going to GraceLife Church for 10 years and has continued attending church since Coates' arrest. The protestors urged Premier Jason Kenney to lift COVID-19 restrictions and release the pastor. "If the past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour, I don't think it's likely that Pastor Coates is going to abide by unscientific public health orders but that's his decision." 'Authorities are acting criminally'Ībout 10 supporters protested outside the courthouse, some carrying signs saying "Christ is King, Not Kenney" and "Free Pastor James Coates."
"The health orders violate our Charter Section 2 rights to assemble and associate worship, Section 6 rights to move and to travel, and Section 7 charter rights to life, liberty, and security," Carpay said. John Carpay, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms If the past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour, I don't think it's likely that Pastor Coates is going to abide by public health orders.
#Pastor james coates in jail trial#
John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the organization representing Coates, said lawyer James Kitchen plans to file an application with the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench seeking the pastor's release until the trial begins.Ĭarpay said Kitchen will argue that the provincial government needs to be held accountable for COVID-19 rules that infringe on constitutional rights.
He was held in custody last week after refusing to agree to bail conditions, RCMP said.Ĭoates's case was addressed in Stony Plain court Wednesday morning, but he did not attend. James Coates with GraceLife Church in Parkland County is scheduled to be tried before Stony Plain provincial court judge Charles Gardner for three days starting May 3.Ĭoates was arrested last week when the church continued to hold services that police say violated COVID-19 restrictions on attendance, masking and physical distancing. A trial date has been set for an Alberta pastor charged with contravening public health orders aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
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