Windsor pastor charged with violating pandemic restrictions
Author of the article:Trevor Wilhelm
A Windsor church has suggested it may go “underground” after their lead pastor was charged under the Reopening Ontario Act for holding services last Sunday.
In a statement on its website, Harvest Bible Church said Rev. Aaron Rock was charged on Wednesday.
“To our knowledge this is the first time that any Ontario pastor has been charged for fulfilling his God-assigned duties at a church,” the organization said in a statement attributed to its elders council.
The Windsor Police Service confirmed Thursday that Rock is facing charges under the Reopening Ontario Act in relation to a gathering on Dec. 19.
The church said it adhered to “strict health and safety protocols” during the services, but did not specify what measures were taken. They also didn’t say how many people attended.
The elders said they were “deeply grieved” after Windsor police also informed them that the congregation would be barred from entering the church on Christmas Eve.
“Our elders have met, and we will issue an internal communication to our church family outlining some interim plans to help us get through the Christmas season before we head into the New Year,” the church said. “In the end, we will find ways to fulfil our Christian obligations even if we are forced underground or to practice further civil disobedience.”
About 50 or 60 cars arrived in the church parking lot shortly before the Christmas Eve service was set to begin.
Windsor police were there monitoring the situation but didn’t take any action. An officer said the service was being live streamed so people could remain in their vehicles and listen to it.
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https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/windsor-pastor-charged-with-violating-pandemic-restrictions