Alberta Court Rules Pastor Charged With Violating COVID-19 Orders to Remain Jailed Until Trial

Supporters gather outside court as Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church is in court after he was arrested the previous week for holding Sunday services in violation of COVID-19 rules, in Stony Plain, Canada, on Feb. 24, 2021. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

An Alberta court has ruled that a pastor who defied COVID-19 restrictions must remain in jail for eight weeks as he waits for his trial.

Pastor James Coates of Edmonton’s GraceLife church was charged with one count of breaking the Public Health Act after continuing to hold Sunday services despite a fine to the church and an order to close down.