Council accused of criminalising free speech after banning street preachers from using speakers

Bill Bowkett
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:20:13 +0000

A Liberal Democrat-controlled council in Essex has moved to prohibit an evangelical church from using amplification equipment during its street sermons, in what is thought to be an unprecedented measure in England.

Colchester City Council issued a community protection notice against Bread of Life Community Church last month, targeting what officials describe as anti-social behaviour with a negative impact on local quality of life.

The independent congregation stands accused of causing considerable disruption by broadcasting messages to shoppers warning them of eternal damnation, The Telegraph reports.

Under the notice's conditions, church members may continue speaking publicly but must do so without loudspeakers or similar devices.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Pastor Stephen Clayden has responded with defiance, insisting the local authority lacks any power to muzzle his congregation.

"We have preached the Bible lawfully and peacefully in Colchester for six years," he stated. "We have harmed no one. We will not be intimidated into abandoning the great commission."

The church leader maintained his flock would persist in proclaiming their faith regardless of official pressure.

"We respect the law. But we cannot and will not stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. No council has the authority to silence the church," he declared.

The congregation has pledged to continue its street ministry, which includes hymn singing and distributing religious literature.

The council's notice specifically alleges the church employed religious messaging to inform children and passers-by they are destined for Hell.

However, the congregation disputes these claims, contending authorities have not adequately proven any genuine harm to residents' wellbeing before imposing the restriction.

The church further argues amplifying sermons represents a standard and perfectly legal form of public religious expression.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Universities banned from 'bullying staff on race, gender and climate' in major free speech victory

Desperate bid to rescue free speech in Britain as bill launched to form 'First Amendment for the UK'

Allison Pearson sues police chief for libel over probe into social media post 'inciting hatred'

Beyond preaching, the group's activities in Colchester's streets extend to singing hymns, offering Christian pamphlets to the public, and handing out copies of the Bible to those willing to receive them.

The church will contest the notice at Colchester magistrates' court on May 1, arguing the measure is unlawful and infringes upon freedom of religion and expression.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre backing the congregation, condemned the council's approach.

She said: "Preaching and public witness are central to the Christian faith and protected by law. If a church can be criminalised simply for proclaiming the gospel, then freedom of religion and speech in the UK are in serious jeopardy,."

The case is believed to be the first of its kind in England, potentially setting a significant precedent for religious liberty across the nation.