(ChurchLeaders) Following his March 22 release from jail for violating public health orders, Canadian Pastor James Coates returned to the pulpit yesterday at GraceLife Church near Edmonton, Alberta. Coates, who spent 35 days in jail and was charged $1,500 for breaching bail, goes on trial in May for violating COVID-19 restrictions limiting the size of in-person gatherings.
According to news reports, GraceLife’s parking lot and pews were full on Sunday, and police were present but didn’t intervene. Coates’ ongoing stand against government-imposed worship restrictions have led to mixed reactions with some people praising the pastor’s actions and others condemning them.