Canadian Police Blockade Coates' GraceLife Church, Denying Members Entry
April 8, 2021
(CBN) Police have placed roadblocks and fencing around GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta in an effort to prevent worshippers from accessing the building. GraceLife made headlines earlier this year after the church’s pastor, James Coates was jailed for holding in-person worship services amid ongoing pandemic restrictions.
According to The Post Millennial, law enforcement officers descended upon the property early Wednesday morning. The exact reason for the blockade is unknown at this time.
(EJ) Layers of metal fencing were erected around the perimeter of GraceLife Church in Parkland County Wednesday as Alberta Health Services (AHS) shuttered the building after months of defiance of provincial public health orders.
Residents who live in the area said they saw about a dozen RCMP vehicles arrive at the church west of Edmonton in a “convoy” around 6 a.m. RCMP said officers were on site to assist AHS with the closure. A private security company was also on the property.
Close to 50 people showed up to support the church throughout the morning while several others drove by shouting support for the RCMP and the closure of the building.
(CBC) In an emailed statement to CBC News Wednesday morning, RCMP confirmed they were on scene, assisting AHS as they closed the church under Section 62.1 of the Alberta Public Health Act.
As of 8:30 a.m., police vehicles and unmarked SUVs were blocking entrances to the church parking lot.
In a media statement, AHS said it "physically closed" the church and has prevented access until the church "can demonstrate the ability to comply with Alberta's chief medical officer of health's restrictions."
Below, 'Fence goes up around GraceLife Church in Alberta after health officials "physically close" facility' from Global News, as posted on YouTube.
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