The GraceLife Church in Spruce Grove, Alberta was open for services again on Sunday – less than a week after its pastor was locked up for doing the same thing..Three RCMP vehicles were on scene and said the church had again broken Alberta COVID-19 restrictions..No confirmed COVID-19 infections have been connected to the GraceLife Church to date..And a Calgary church – which had also drawn police and AHS attention – held a service of their own in support of jailed Pastor James Coates..Vehicles had arrived at the GraceLife parking lot before the 10:45 a.m. and people had to be turned away because the church had reached its capacity limit..Inside, associate pastor Jacob Spenst read letters of support from other churches..RCMP and AHS officials were monitoring the goings-on.. James CoatesJames Coates .“Parkland RCMP and Alberta Health Services continued their investigation into the GraceLife Church this morning as a part of ongoing allegations into the church’s non-compliance with the Public Health Order. Observations were made that the church held a service beyond the designated capacity,” said an RCMP statement..“The investigation continues into this situation with the intention of determining, through consultation with AHS, the next course of action for the RCMP..“No further information will be provided to the media by the RCMP today. When able, next week, an update will be provided.”.Coates was arrested by the RCMP Tuesday and in two court appearances has so far refused to commit to a judge he won’t do it again..Since December, Coates has received numerous warnings and tickets from the AHS and RCMP for having up to 300 people at his services. Current law in Alberta says churches are allowed to open at 15 per cent capacity..NDP leader Rachel Notley has taken to Twitter to voice her displeasure towards GraceLife Church..“We cannot have open defiance of public health orders while the vast majority of Albertans do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Notley..In Calgary, Pastor Tim Stephens, of Fairview Baptist Church, in Calgary told Global News he is prepared to face the legal consequences..“James (Coates) is a good friend of mine and it’s sad what’s happened to him,” Stephens told Global..“I’m prepared if that’s the same consequence for myself. I know other pastors feel the same way, that want to stand with him and support him and our brothers and sisters at GraceLife Church.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
The GraceLife Church in Spruce Grove, Alberta was open for services again on Sunday – less than a week after its pastor was locked up for doing the same thing..Three RCMP vehicles were on scene and said the church had again broken Alberta COVID-19 restrictions..No confirmed COVID-19 infections have been connected to the GraceLife Church to date..And a Calgary church – which had also drawn police and AHS attention – held a service of their own in support of jailed Pastor James Coates..Vehicles had arrived at the GraceLife parking lot before the 10:45 a.m. and people had to be turned away because the church had reached its capacity limit..Inside, associate pastor Jacob Spenst read letters of support from other churches..RCMP and AHS officials were monitoring the goings-on.. James CoatesJames Coates .“Parkland RCMP and Alberta Health Services continued their investigation into the GraceLife Church this morning as a part of ongoing allegations into the church’s non-compliance with the Public Health Order. Observations were made that the church held a service beyond the designated capacity,” said an RCMP statement..“The investigation continues into this situation with the intention of determining, through consultation with AHS, the next course of action for the RCMP..“No further information will be provided to the media by the RCMP today. When able, next week, an update will be provided.”.Coates was arrested by the RCMP Tuesday and in two court appearances has so far refused to commit to a judge he won’t do it again..Since December, Coates has received numerous warnings and tickets from the AHS and RCMP for having up to 300 people at his services. Current law in Alberta says churches are allowed to open at 15 per cent capacity..NDP leader Rachel Notley has taken to Twitter to voice her displeasure towards GraceLife Church..“We cannot have open defiance of public health orders while the vast majority of Albertans do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Notley..In Calgary, Pastor Tim Stephens, of Fairview Baptist Church, in Calgary told Global News he is prepared to face the legal consequences..“James (Coates) is a good friend of mine and it’s sad what’s happened to him,” Stephens told Global..“I’m prepared if that’s the same consequence for myself. I know other pastors feel the same way, that want to stand with him and support him and our brothers and sisters at GraceLife Church.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
