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Alberta congregation and armed police

Authorities in Edmonton, Canada, have fenced off and surrounded a Canadian church that defied COVID-19 restrictions.

A chain link fence now surrounds GraceLife Church—a church that’s been at the center of controversy since February. Security guards and police are also patrolling the area, while police cars block entry.

GraceLife’s pastor, James Coates, was jailed for more than a month for hosting services at full capacity and without the use of masks. Coates was released on March 22, after 35 days in jail. He then resumed hosting church services, seemingly at full capacity.