Janine Hanrahan with Alberta Health Services testified earlier Monday that she observed multiple “risky” behaviours at the Edmonton-area church in Spruce Grove, Alta., from November 2020 to December 2020. “We determined that complying with AHS meant noncompliance with God so we decided, ‘OK, well, who would you rather be (in) noncompliance with? God, or AHS?’ And I think the choice is pretty simple.”Ī Crown prosecutor, whose identity is under a publication ban due to security concerns, called only one witness. He said having services online or capping the congregation at 15 per cent also altered the true meaning of worship. The long-term ramifications of that toward this promising country are deeply concerning to me.”Ĭoates testified that he believes masking is a violation of his charter right to worship and gather because it has hindered his speaking and made it difficult for him to be a pastor. “The government has been able to essentially do whatever it wants and you’ve got the media that just fearmonger the people into believing the COVID narrative, and the supreme law of the land, the Charter, is being ignored. “It’s the government that’s practicing civil disobedience and, at this point in time, there seems to be no accountability,” he said. He says provincial regulations meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 not only infringe on his and his congregants’ constitutional right to freedom of religion and peaceful assembly, but he’s convinced they are an overreaction. He was released March 22 after pleading guilty, and was fined $1,500.Ĭoates challenged the one charge he still faces of violating the Public Health Act during his cross-examination. He was arrested for allegedly holding Sunday services in violation of COVID-19 rules. A supporter stands outside court in Edmonton on Thursday, March 4, 2021, as Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church appears in court to appeal bail conditions.
The 41-year-old, who was born and raised in Scarborough, Ont., spent a month in the Edmonton Remand Centre after he violated a bail condition not to hold church services that officials have said ignored measures on capacity limits, physical distancing and masking.
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Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church testified on the first day of his trial Monday and complained multiple times about how difficult it was to speak with a mask on. This article was published (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.ĮDMONTON – An Alberta pastor accused of leading church services in violation of public-health orders says the COVID-19 pandemic has been blown out of proportion by the government and the media.
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Free Press 101: How we practise journalism.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. 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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