Pastor Tim Stephens of Calgary, Alberta, who was jailed last month after a police helicopter found his outdoor church service, was released from prison Thursday after his case drew international attention.
Stephens’ jail sentence at the maximum-security Calgary Remand Centre had reportedly been extended to July 12 last week, but the court order under which he was arrested was rescinded on July 1 as Alberta enters into Stage 3 of its mandatory COVID-19 rules.
In an interview with Rebel News Above, which also captured footage of him as he reunited with his family, Stephens expressed gratitude. “Today is a very thankful day,” he said. “I’m thankful that the restrictions are done and rescinded, including the court orders that go along with that.” He also thanked his legal counsel at the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, as well as those in the community who supported him and his family.
