Trial date set for Alberta pastor charged with violating COVID-19 restrictions

A trial date has been set for an Alberta pastor charged with contravening public health orders aimed atcurbing the spread of COVID-19.

James Coates with GraceLife Church in Parkland County is scheduled to be tried before Stony Plain provincial court judge Charles Gardner for three days starting May 3.

Coates was arrested last week when the church continued to hold services that police say violated COVID-19 restrictions on attendance, masking and physical distancing. Hewas heldin custody last week after refusing to agree to bail conditions, RCMP said.

Coates'scase was addressedin Stony Plaincourt Wednesday morning, but he did not attend.

John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the organization representing Coates, said lawyer James Kitchen plans to file an application with the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench seeking the pastor's release until the trial begins.

Carpay said Kitchen will argue that the provincial government needs to be held accountable for COVID-19 rules that infringe on constitutional rights.

If the past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour, I don't think it's likely that Pastor Coates is going to abide by public health orders.- John Carpay, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms

"The health orders violate our Charter Section 2 rights to assemble and associate worship, Section 6 rights to move and to travel, and Section 7 charter rights to life, liberty, and security," Carpay said.

"If the past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour, I don't think it's likely that Pastor Coates is going to abide by unscientific public health orders but that's his decision."

'Authorities are acting criminally'

About 10 supporters protested outside the courthouse, some carryingsigns saying"Christ is King, Not Kenney" and "Free Pastor James Coates."

The protestorsurged Premier Jason Kenney to lift COVID-19 restrictions and release the pastor.

"Our governing authorities are acting criminally and all this is against our constitutional rights and freedoms," said Jasmine Tucker, who has been going to GraceLife Church for 10 years and has continued attending church since Coates' arrest.

"We're devastated by what has happened. We have the right to go to church and worship God the way that God tells us to. We pray that churches will open, that churches stand up and say this is not right."

Tucker said she has been in touch with the pastor's wife and has been told he is doing OK in jail.

"He is faithful, he is courageous, and he is honouring the Lord."

• Edmonton and Calgary churches defy public health orders as Alberta reports 328 new COVID-19 cases

Police fined the church $1,200 in December. Aclosure order was issued in January but was repeatedly ignored.

Coates was twice charged in February with violating the Public Health Act and violating a promise to abide by rules of his release, which is a Criminal Code offence.

Coates has addressed the province's health restrictions in his sermons, telling worshippers that governments exist as instruments of God and there should be unfettered freedom of worship.

An associate pastor of the church, Jacob Spenst, conducted last Sunday's service and told the congregation that messages of support have been pouring in for the jailed pastor.

Coates's arrest last Wednesday marked the second time he was charged with breaking public health rules tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• GraceLife pastor held in custody for refusing to comply with bail conditions
• Police 'furthering investigation' after GraceLife Church defies health restrictions again

Faith-based services across Alberta are limited to 15 per cent of normal capacity and mask use is mandatory. Physical distancing between members of different households must be maintained.

Provincial rules allow for music and choral singing, but performers must wear masks.

Earlier this month, some Alberta faith leaders called on GraceLife to follow COVID-19 public health rules.

Rev. Scott Sharman with the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton said sometimes people should put their talk of rights aside when it's for the benefit of others.

• OPINION | 'Comfortable martyrdom' on display as churches defy government COVID-19 orders