For readers who have been following the case of Pastor James Coates at GraceLife Baptist Church in Alberta, the legal case against him must seem pretty clear-cut and logical.

Coates is one of a handful of Christian pastors who refused to comply with COVID precautions in his community, insisting that required changes — namely mask-wearing, physical distancing, and reduced-capacity church services — violated his religious freedoms.

Assuming good faith, Alberta Public Health tried to help him meet the criteria for safe social distancing. He refused to comply, continuing to host unsafe services with his entire congregation. After his eventual arrest, the courts ordered him released on bail under the sole condition that he stop violating public health restrictions. He stated his refusal in no uncertain terms.

Now, scarcely a week later, Crown prosecutors have agreed to withdraw the majority of the charges keeping him in prison and permit his immediate unconditional release. He could be out of jail as soon as Monday, after a slight delay. Coates remains charged with one count of violating an Order of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.