PASTOR CHARGED FOR SECOND TIME WITH COVID VIOLATIONS

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.

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. 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.