Bonnie Henry filed the complaint against the Free Reformed Church of Chilliwack, Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church of Abbotsford, and Riverside Calvary Chapel of Langley.” British Columbia Provincial Health Officer Dr. Not to be left behind, BC government is also harassing churches and threatening with jail time for remaining open and worshiping.Ĭhristian Post: “A Canadian province is seeking a court injunction against three congregations that have reportedly been meeting despite a ban on in-person worship services. I would like to bring your attention also to the next door neighbor to Alberta, British Columbia. One would have thought as these pastors are graduated and sent forth into the world planting churches, that persecution and jail time would have come from a different region, but here is Canada doing its part to suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Coates’ wife Erin wrote, via Twitter Coates is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary, and is standing strong for the Gospel. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that all Canadians have the right of free expression, and no discrimination may be made based on “race, national ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.” According to the accredited agency, CanadianVisa, “In Canada’s view, freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”ĭr. One of the conditions of Pastor Coates’ release is that he stop preaching. Pray for us! Christ is worthy of all glory and honor!” ~Mike Hovlund. Today I’m driving to meet with the elders of GraceLife to determine what we should do now that we lost our beloved pastor. … I will keep you all up to date as I am able. His crime? Preaching the good news of salvation through Christ. What is happening in our country? This is a faithful servant of Christ. He was apparently being taken to the remand centre. “One of the brethren saw James coming out of court with cuffs on his wrists and ankles. He is up-to-date on the latest news (if you care to follow on Twitter) and said of the events of today: Mike Hovlund ( was co-pastor with James Coates until Mike planted a church himself. Their pastor, James Coates, was arrested and jailed. However, since December, they were told to limit attendance and comply with COVID health measures or face legal consequences.” The church issued a public statement outlining their stance, the whys and wherefores according to the Bible. They have a couple of pastors, a medium sized congregation, earnestly teach and preach the word, and do this Sunday by Sunday, like any church. I’d written, “GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta Canada is a normal, every day church. I have a responsibility to be obedient to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and it’s simply that obedience that has me here in this place.A week ago, I wrote a piece on This is How a Church Resists Tyranny. I have a responsibility before God to Shepard the people entrusted to me. I’m not trying to make a point, I’m not a political revolutionary. “Please make no mistake, this is not a statement that I’m making to society. “I’m simply here in obedience to Jesus Christ and it’s my obedience to Christ that has put me at odds with the law at present,” said Coates. He spoke of his responsibility to his church and his Lord and Saviour. “So if he wants to make a statement, he’s made a statement but I’m dealing with the statement that society wants to make about people who refuse to follow public health orders during a pandemic.”Ĭoates was given an opportunity to speak before the court on Monday and said his integrity and word have remained consistent. Coates as an accused, as a convicted person now, as well as a proper deterrence for others that might feel that I can violate the directions of the chief medical officer of health and get a $100 fine, that’s why there’s concern,” explained Champion. “I question whether a $100 fine is a proper denunciation of the conduct of Mr. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
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