UK church to appeal ban on street preaching

A church in England will launch an appeal on Friday (May 1) after authorities issued a ban to the entire congregation on preaching in a city center.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court will hear the appeal against a Community Protection Notice (CPN) that authorities served on Bread of Life Community Church in Essex.

Rights group Christian Concern said authorities have used public order powers in an unprecedented way by targeting a whole church rather than individual evangelists. It said the notice criminalizes both the content of the message and the manner of preaching.

The Rev. Stephen Clayden, pastor of Bread of Life Community Church, said the church has preached lawfully and peacefully in Colchester for six years.

“We have harmed no one,” said Clayden. “We will not be intimidated into abandoning the Great Commission.”

Clayden rejected claims that the church acted unlawfully and confirmed that he will challenge the CPN. The Christian Legal Centre is supporting the case.

“We respect the law. But we cannot and will not stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “No council has the authority to silence the Church.”

Christian Concern said council wardens imposed the CPN after applying pressure on the church, including prohibiting the use of amplification during weekly outreach. No Public Space Protection Order restricts amplified sound at the city center location.

Breaching the notice constitutes a criminal offense, meaning Clayden and other church members could face prosecution if they do not comply.

Christian Concern added that no one had previously complained about the church’s outreach, including preaching and conversations with the public.