Aylmer church ordered to cease and desist: Ministry of the Attorney General

The Ministry of the Attorney General has issued a cease and desist letter to a church in Aylmer, Ont. that has repeatedly violated Ontario's emergency laws.

The Church of God has held in-person services for the past two weeks that have been in defiance of gathering limits restricted in the province.

On January 24, Pastor Henry Hildebrandt, who leads the church, invited about 75 parishioners into the church during a drive-in service, prompting police to charge dozens of people.

Aylmer police were contacted by the ministry to serve the cease and desist letter and delivered the order Thursday morning, deputy chief of Aylmer police Nick Novacich said.

Novacich said while the church is well within its rights to hold a drive-in service, it must comply with current provincial orders and not hold indoor gatherings of more than 10 people for religious service.

"The letter's been issued, they've been advised of what the possible further action that can be taken against them if they choose to go indoors and not follow the request," Novacich said.

"We'll have to see what happens."

In a statement to CBC London, ministry spokesperson Brian Gray said the government is aware of the situation involving the church.

"On Feb.4, 2021 the Ministry of the Attorney General requested that the Church provide an undertaking saying they will comply with the requirements in the governing regulations," Gray said in an email.

"The request was sent to the church and to their prior legal counsel. The church has not responded. Ontario is reviewing the situation and considering next steps."

Earlier this week, Aylmer Police laid more charges in its ongoing dispute with the church. 

Police Chief Zvonko Horvat announced Monday, a 57-year-old male church leader and a 26-year-old man, both from Aylmer, had been charged with hosting an event that violated Ontario's gathering limits. 

The church corporation has also been charged.