Alberta pastor of church accused of breaking COVID-19 health rules held in custody

EDMONTON – 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, holding services that officials say break health rules on maximum attendance, masking and social distancing.