By Erika Chorostil

pastor issued court date

RCMP furthering investigation into GraceLife Church for continued non-compliance

Feb 16, 2021 | 12:59 PM

Parkland RCMP and Alberta Health Services (AHS) are continuing their investigation into GraceLife Church west of Edmonton because they say the church is still breaking health restrictions.

On Sunday morning, Parkland RCMP says officers and AHS members attended GraceLife Church to ensure that morning service was held in compliance with the Public Health Order, which states the facility could not be at more than 15 percent capacity and people in attendance must physically distance.

RCMP members on scene determined that the church did not comply with the restrictions.

Subsequently, the RCMP says they are furthering their investigation into the actions of the church and church pastor, James Coates, who was arrested on February 7 for non-compliance and issued a court date.

Police said they expect to release more details on the investigation mid-week.

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“To be very clear, the RCMP’s objective is not to interrupt church services, prohibit services, nor deny peoples’ right to practice their religion – merely to ensure that public health restrictions are adhered to while doing so,” says Inspector Mike Lokken, Detachment Commander of Parkland RCMP.

Since early December, the RCMP have been working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) in an ongoing investigation into the activities surrounding the non-compliance of the church, which is located just outside Edmonton city limits on Highway 627.