A cease and desist letter has been issued to an Aylmer church that has repeatedly defied the province's COVID-19 emergency laws.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is ordering the Church of God and its pastor, elders, and directors to stop holding indoor gatherings of more than ten people.
Aylmer police officers personally delivered the order to church Pastor Henry Hildebrandt on Thursday.
"The letter requests that the Aylmer Church of God and anyone acting on its behalf immediately cease holding gatherings of more than ten people, unless those gatherings are drive-in services only and comply with all other applicable provisions," Deputy Police Chief Nick Novacich said in a statement.
For the past two Sundays, the church on John Street has violated the province's COVID-19 lockdown rules by allowing a large group of parishioners inside. Video posted to Hildebrandt's YouTube channel showed people inside the church, without face masks, not physically distancing as they worshipped and sang hymns. Since then dozens of charges have been laid against Hildebrandt, some of his parishioners, and the church itself.
Under provincial lockdown measures that have been in place since December 26, indoor religious services are capped at ten people, where physical distancing can be maintained. Drive-in services are allowed but are subject to certain conditions.
"Community safety, well being and enforcement of laws is our top priority during this global pandemic. Aylmer Police are continuing to work and enforce the current Emergency orders that are in place," said Novacich.
