Erin Coates uploaded a wonderful picture to her social media, showing the family embracing after a long separation. We are rejoicing for this family, and honor them for their courage and steadfastness.
While many people have been erroneously claiming that Pastor Coates will have to pay a $1500 dollar fine, or had to pay it as a condition of his release, this is not so. Rather, the judge told Coates that his time spent in custody would count as the entire fine, meaning he doesn’t have to pay anything. In fact, it was covered by day 12. For this reason, the $1500 was designed to be all bark and no bite – to shock and sound forceful and condemning, when in reality it could have been $3000 and he still would not be paying it.
While it is fully expected that Pastor Coates will show up to the upcoming March 27th church service to a raucous and uplifted congregation, he may say a few words, but will not be preaching the sermon. Pastor Coates needs to spend the week with his wife and children and will not be able to prepare a message, and so Pastor Jacob Spenst will be preaching.
With the news of his release, many people were celebrating, including hundreds of churches that have been praying for him worldwide, along with his alma mater, where John MacArthur has personally and publicly prayed for him for weeks now.
We praise God that James Coates, pastor of Grace Life Church in Alberta, Canada, is going home to his wife and children after spending five weeks in prison for obeying God rather than man.
— The Master's Seminary (@MastersSeminary) March 22, 2021
While many believed that his conditions hearing was on Friday, February 26th, where the judge would determine whether or not James had to abide by release conditions that said he could not step foot on church property, it was not so. Rather, it was only the day that they filed/submitted the paperwork and applications.
Instead, his conditions hearing is set for Wednesday, March 3rd, with lawyer James Kitchen filing an application with the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench seeking the pastor’s release until his May 3 trial begins. Furthermore, according to some sources, the court will reconvene with lawyers on March 5 for a case management plan.
How he’s doing in prison
An update from Erin Coates, James’s wife, posted on Friday the 26th on Instagram:
James is okay. He received his canteen (extra snacks and hygiene products) so he’s a little less hungry. The lack of activity is starting to affect him, he’s very active in both mind and body so this is hard for him. He used to filling his mind with deep theological truth day-in and day-out. I asked him why our phone calls were so short and he had informed me that he only gets 2 15 blocks of time out of his cell.
When he has to shower he only has enough time to tell me he loves me and he has to go. This was the case this morning a quick “I love you.” And “the Psalms have been sweet to me”. And he was gone. This is so hard for me. I have unlimited access to him since he opted to work from home to care for us.
What you can do to help
First off, you can pray. Pray for James, for his family, and for unity within the church body as they go through this. Pray that Alberta Premier Jason Kenny opens up the churches and stops singling them out from among other businesses and establishments to remain closed. Also, pray that the conditions of his bail hearing would go well on Wednesday.
For Canadians, particularly Albertans, call your MPs and representatives. Be kind, and polite, but call them, email them, or send them a letter in the mail. Here is a list of MPs along with their contact information. While they can’t intervene in James’ case at this point, they can intervene in and impact current health policies and legislation that are restricting other churches in the province to 15% capacity.
If you’re in Edmonton or nearby, there is a rally planned for 1:00 p.m. at the courthouse. Please attend if you can.
I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. I have seen the Universal Body love us in a way that makes my heart leap for joy, a taste of our time in heaven…but actually together!
Until then; Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7), God’s time, though it tarry, and God’s deliverance, though delayed, when it comes proves always to have been best: ‘My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him’ (Psalm 62:5)—Octavius Winslow
