[Canadian] Cops Back Off Holding Non-COVID-Compliant Citizens ‘Accountable’ for Religious Service

LifeSite News ^ | 5/1/20 | Anthony Murdoch

[marshmallow]

The Aylmer Police Department said that despite having reasonable grounds to lay charges, they will not issue fines.

AYLMER, Ontario, May 1, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Police from an Ontario town now say they will not be pressing charges against Christian churchgoers for attending a drive-in Sunday service. This change comes despite police earlier stating that congregants would be held “accountable“ because their service allegedly violated provincial coronavirus social distancing laws.

In a statement circulated yesterday, the Aylmer Police Department said that despite having reasonable grounds to lay charges, they will not issue fines to parishioners of the Aylmer Church of God who attended a drive-in Sunday service on April 26.

Instead, Aylmer police say they will “use the incident” as an “educational tool” for the Church of God members.

Pastor Henry Hildebrandt of The Church of God said in a statement that he was thankful for all the support his church received regarding the situation.

“We extend our gratitude to Canadians across the country that have prayed, called, emailed, commented, and messaged us this past week. The support and passion for freedom in this country has been overwhelming,” said Hildebrandt.

“God is sovereign and His Word will prevail. This nation was founded on the principles of religious freedom and peaceful assembly and we pray that we will enjoy these privileges for many years to come.”