A church in Essex is appealing against a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued by Colchester City Council over its public outreach.
The case involving Bread of Life Community Church in Clacton-on-Sea, is believed to be the first known attempt to use a CPN against the public ministry of an entire church, rather than against the conduct of a particular individual. The CPN orders the church to stop using a loudspeaker or amplified equipment and to stop what it describes as “engaging or intimidating behaviour” towards members of the public, which the church members deny.
The independent church was issued with the notice in March 2026 following complaints about its weekly outreach in Colchester city centre. It had previously been issued with a Community Protection Warning by the council in 2025 and told to stop or reduce amplified sound.
The council later raised concerns about theological references to judgment and hell, alleging that it had caused “harassment, alarm and distress”.
Lawyers supporting the church argue that this represents a significant shift from addressing genuine concerns about noise to seeking to regulate the content of Christian doctrine expressed in public.
The church accepts that amplification was used and that some people complained about the outreach. However, it strongly denies that its pastor or members have behaved aggressively, threateningly or unlawfully.
Since 2022, members of the church have gathered for around two hours each week to preach, sing hymns, distribute Christian literature and Bibles, and offer conversation and prayer to members of the public. The church says its outreach has also included practical support for the local community.
It says its outreach is livestreamed and recorded and that there is no evidence of its members threatening or harassing anyone.
A petition with more than 27,000 signatures has been handed into Colchester City Council calling for the notice to be retracted.
Pastor Stephen Clayden, of Bread of Life Community Church, said, "We have preached peacefully and lawfully in Colchester for many years and have sought to serve the community as well as share the Christian faith. This petition demonstrates the strength of feeling among those who believe freedom of religion and freedom of expression must be protected.”
The Christian Legal Centre which is representing Bread of Life Community Church said the case could set a dangerous precedent by allowing broad anti-social behaviour powers to be used not only to regulate the manner of street preaching, but also to restrict the substance of a religious message.
Colchester City Council said it had received “multiple complaints over a period of time regarding conduct and behaviour that caused alarm and distress to members of the public.
“Council officers engaged with those involved, explained the impact of the behaviour on others and provided guidance on expectations. When complaints continued, a Community Protection Warning was issued, followed by a Community Protection Notice.
“The matter will now be determined by the court.”
The appeal is listed for a two day hearing, and begins on 22 October at Southend Magistrates’ Court, with day two listed for Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 29 October, under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Breaching the CPN is a criminal offence, meaning the church’s pastor and members could face prosecution if the council alleges that they have failed to comply.