Christian pastor who spent time in jail for defying COVID rules has his church doors shut by health authorities By Anthony Murdoch for Life Site News
Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary declared after the Alberta government changed its locks: ‘They can take the building but they cannot take the church.’
Health authorities in the Canadian province of Alberta forcibly closed the doors to a Christian church that remained open contrary to local COVID-19 health rules.
On June 5, Fairview Baptist Church, located in Calgary, said in a Facebook post, “Early this morning, AHS (Alberta Health Services) seized our church building by changing the locks to prevent us from entering the premises.”
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The post continued, “They can take the building but they cannot take the church.
“In the same week where our most senior government officials were photographed flouting health orders, AHS continues to try and force us to comply to orders that violate the commands of our Lord and undermine the fundamental freedoms afforded to all Canadians.
“Fines, injunctions, imprisonments, and seizure of property will only demonstrate the folly of their actions and bring glory to Christ. Please pray that this would only serve the advance of the gospel, the salvation of souls, and the strengthening of disciples of Christ.”
The church’s pastor, Tim Stephens, who is a father of eight, was the third Canadian Christian pastor to be jailed for defying COVID-19 health rules. He was released after a judge agreed to let him out as long as he abides by a now-amended May 6 injunction order issued by AHS.
Stephens was arrested in front of his family and then jailed on Sunday, May 16, after holding an indoor church service that went against the provincial government’s rules.
Stephens and his church have for months been under surveillance by AHS, the Calgary Police Service, and city bylaw officers because they have not bowed to government rules limiting worship congregation size and mandate masks. Additionally, Fairview Baptist was visited on multiple occasions by AHS and police.
