A Langley church has been fined $2,300 for defying a provincial ban on holding services ordered by the provincial health officer.
RCMP were called to the in the 9600 block of 201 Street around 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, to investigate a report that in-person services were being held.
Cpl. Holly Largy said officers found an in-person service was in progress.
91裸聊视频淭hey [the church members] were given an opportunity to disperse, which they declined,91裸聊视频� Largy said.
That was when the fine was issued.
Police made a second trip to the church later in the day, but found there was no in-person service in progress, only a virtual one.
A ban on indoor events was ordered on Nov. 19 in response to an increase in COVID-19 transmission in B.C.
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At the location, one church member, who did not want to be identified, called the ban an example of government 91裸聊视频渙verreach91裸聊视频� but did not fault the police for enforcing it.
91裸聊视频淚 understand they91裸聊视频檙e doing their job, but it91裸聊视频檚 excessive.91裸聊视频�
On Monday afternoon, Nov. 30, pastor Brent Smith replied to a Langley Advance Times request for comment by saying the church was getting legal advice and hinting there will be a court challenge.
91裸聊视频淲e have a team of lawyers that are preparing a statement and will be representing us on these matters,91裸聊视频� Smith said.
91裸聊视频淲e certainly are not looking for a fight, we just believe there has been many inconsistencies with what is essential and we simply desire to worship our Lord in a safe and Biblical way.91裸聊视频�
Online, the church website describes it as an 91裸聊视频渆vangelical Protestant church91裸聊视频� that is affiliated with the Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, a California based mega-church with 30,000 members.
It went on to say that 91裸聊视频渨e believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.91裸聊视频�
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Two churches in Chilliwack have defied the order, saying it is a violation of the Charter of Rights.
Pastors at Chilliwack Free Reformed Church and Free Grace Baptist Church held services on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, two and three days after such gatherings were banned.
91裸聊视频淭he identification of what is and what is not an 91裸聊视频榚ssential service91裸聊视频� is certainly open for interpretation, but in short, we believe that churches are essential, and that Christians are commanded by God to attend public worship,91裸聊视频� Pastor James Butler of Free Grace Baptist commented.
91裸聊视频淥ur convictions compel us to worship our God in the public gathering of his people and we must act in accordance with our conscience,91裸聊视频� Pastor John Koopman said.
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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