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Church whose pastor was arrested for defying COVID-19 restrictions holds service

Feb 22, 2021 | 1:06 PM

EDMONTON, AB – With their pastor behind bars, an Edmonton area church held a service again Sunday where the sermon chastised other churches for bowing to COVID-19 public health restrictions.

RCMP says in a news release that they, along with Alberta Health Services, observed that GraceLife Church held a service that exceeded provincially set gathering limits meant to curb the spread of the virus.

They say police will continue to investigate and decide what to do in consultation with health officials.

GraceLife Pastor James Coates was arrested last week when the church continued to hold services that police allege violated COVID-19 restrictions, and he remains in custody for refusing to agree to bail conditions.