The Pastor of GraceLife Church in Parkland County, James Coates (GraceLife Church website)

By Canadian Press

Remains behind bars

GraceLife Church pastor set to stand trial May 3

Feb 24, 2021 | 12:12 PM

STONY PLAIN, Alta. – A trial date has been set for a pastor of an Edmonton-area church that has been holding Sunday services in violation of COVID-19 rules.

James Coates with GraceLife Church in Spruce Grove did not appear in court today as a three-day trial was set to start May 3.

Coates, who was arrested last week and remanded in custody after refusing to agree to bail conditions, remains behind bars.

Several people gathered outside the Stony Plain courthouse in support of the pastor and urged Premier Jason Kenney to come to his senses and lift COVID-19 restrictions.

The church has been holding services that officials say break public-health regulations on attendance, masking and distancing.

Coates was charged this month with violating the Public Health Act and breaking a promise to abide by rules of his bail release, which is a Criminal Code offence.

(The Canadian Press)