CHURCH MULLS GOING UNDERGROUND AFTER PASTOR CHARGED

A church in Windsor, Ont., was so upset Christmas Eve services were cancelled, it considered going “underground.” In a statement on its website, Harvest Bible Church said Rev. Aaron Rock was charged for holding a Sunday service. “To our knowledge this is the first time that any Ontario pastor has been charged for fulfilling his God-assigned duties at a church,” read the statement attributed to its elders council. Windsor Police confirmed that Rock is facing charges under the Reopening Ontario Act in relation to a Dec. 19 gathering.

The church said it adhered to “strict health and safety protocols” during the services. “Our elders have met, and we will issue an internal communication to our church family outlining some interim plans to help us get through the Christmas season before we head into the New Year,” the church said. “In the end, we will find ways to fulfil our Christian obligations even if we are forced underground or to practice further civil disobedience.” The Christmas Eve service was live streamed so people could remain in vehicles.