James Coates

By Canadian Press

court appearance next Wednesday

Alberta pastor of church accused of breaking COVID-19 health rules held in custody

Feb 18, 2021 | 10:07 AM

EDMONTON – An Alberta pastor remains in custody after being charged by police a second time with breaking COVID-19 public health rules.

RCMP say Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church was remanded in custody after refusing to abide by conditions of release pending trial.

He is to appear in court next Wednesday.

The church just west of Edmonton has been defying public health orders for weeks, holding services that officials say break health rules on maximum attendance, masking and social distancing.

Recent Sunday services have had up to 300 members, and Coates was charged a second time this week after police said last Sunday’s service again broke health rules.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

10h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

11h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

12h ago

Coates has addressed the issue in his sermons, telling worshippers that governments exist only as instruments of God and must follow God’s plan, which includes unfettered freedom of worship.