70+ churches in Canada vow to defy lockdowns for Easter services

Over 70 Christian churches in Canada will deny COVID lockdowns, holding religious services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

All churches involved have signed on to Liberty Coalition Canada’s (LCC) “We Will Gather Easter 2021” initiative, including eight out ten provinces in Canada (excluding Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island).

Rules ae different across the country. In some places, like British Columbia, indoor church services are banned outright, whereas others face strict limitations.

The “We Will Gather Easter 2021” webpage notes that the churches involved are hoping to attain “three things.”

Firstly, that “many people who are needing refuge and sanctuary will flock to these churches and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Secondly, they hope that “our partners, such as End the Lockdowns Caucus and Professionals Against Lockdowns, will intentionally come to our services to take this important stand with us.”

Lastly, “we would use this list to stand together in unity and to oppose further lockdowns.” Michael Thiessen, campaign manager for LCC, told LifeSiteNews that his organization is hopeful the list of churches will grow even more before Good Friday. “We hope the list will grow. We are over 70 churches now,” said Thiessen.

One of the churches that has signed on is Grace Life Church in Alberta.

Grace Life’s Pastor James Coates was jailed for over a month for defying COVID-related orders in Alberta before returning to preach.

Other churches like the Church of God, based in Aylmer, Ontario, has signed on. That church's pastor, Henry Hildebrandt, has also opposed government measures to lock down churches.

Liberty Coalition Canada describes itself as “a national network of clergymen, elected officials, small business owners, legal experts, and other concerned citizens.”