Church appeals street evangelism ban in UK

A British evangelical church is fighting a legal notice that could criminalize aspects of its street preaching.

The Bread of Life Community Church in Essex, England, will appeal a Community Protection Notice issued to the church, Premier Christian News reports.

‘Harassment, alarm and distress’?

The notice accuses the church of sharing “religious messaging” mentioning “hell” that spreads “harassment, alarm and distress” in the community, and the preaching is having a “detrimental effect on the community.” The Safer Colchester Partnership, under the Colchester City Council, issued the notice in March.

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During a May 1 hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, Michael Phillips, who is representing the Bread of Life Community Church, said the notice “imposed a number of requirements,” including prohibiting the use of amplifications and loudspeakers and barring “intimidating behavior.”

The court has scheduled a two-day appeal on Oct. 22 and 29.

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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Hannah Davis and originally published by Decision Magazine. Used with permission.