Canadian pastor, Tim Stephens, the third pastor to be arrested in Canada for breaking coronavirus rules, has been released from prison.

The leader of the Fairview Baptist Church was arrested last month after holding in-person church services outdoors that surpassed the cap on attendance imposed by covid rules in the area.

A video of his arrest went viral as it showed how the pastor was put under arrest while his eight children wept.

Last month, Pastor Stephens refused to sign a bail agreement that would have required him to comply with covid restrictions. On Thursday, Canada moved into the last phase of the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. The new rules will not affect church gatherings, so he has now signed a bail agreement to comply with health orders.

“Thanks for all the prayers and support while I was imprisoned! I'm looking forward to being in the pulpit this Sunday to preach from Matthew 10 on the worthiness of Christ as we follow him in the face of opposition,” Pastor Stephens wrote on his Twitter.

Canadian news outlet Rebel News has been following closely the cases of the three Canadian pastors jailed. They recorded Pastor Stephens’ release from prison.

In the video, Pastor Stephens expresses his gratitude to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which is representing him, but mostly to God.

“I’m thankful that He’s built His church, that He’s sustained our church at Fairview Baptist Church. I’m thankful that He strengthened me, my wife, and our family, and that, through this, people have come to know the saving love of the Lord Jesus Christ. People have been strengthened in this country and around the world, and so, for these many reasons, I’m thankful.”

Pastor Stephen will return to court on 14th July for a hearing.