After a retired pastor was convicted for preaching a sermon within an abortion buffer zone in Northern Ireland, questions have been raised about whether Christian hospital ministry could break the law.
Clive Johnston held the open-air service on John 3:16 near Causeway Hospital in Coleraine in July 2024, making no reference to abortion. He was found guilty of “conducting a protest” which could be “influencing a protected person” nearby.
Now, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) chief constable has been questioned by the Policing Board and members of the public on whether the interpretation of this law could criminalise clergy for their pastoral work in hospitals.
“The PSNI wishes to make clear that the vast majority of hospital chaplaincy and pastoral ministry is entirely unaffected by this legislation”, the response said, outlining that most wards and clinical areas fall outside the scope of the legislation. The zones cover “the protected premises and the public area within 100 metres of each entrance or exit.”
But, the PSNI said some practices “may constitute an offence” if it could influence a person accessing abortion services or cause “harassment, alarm or distress… whether directly or indirectly.”
Questions related to prayer with patients during end-of-life care; reading scripture requested by patients or families; carrying Bibles or religious materials in public areas; consensual pastoral ministry on wards; and visible religious practice within zones.
On Bible reading, the PSNI said: “if such activity takes place within a Safe Access Zone and a reasonable person would recognise it as capable of indirectly influencing or distressing a protected person, an offence may be committed, regardless of the consensual nature of the activity between the clergy member and their patient.”
“Carrying or visibly displaying religious materials within a Safe Access Zone may constitute an offence where doing so is capable of indirectly or directly influencing a protected person attending for abortion services, or causing them harassment, alarm or distress. The location, manner and context in which the materials are carried or displayed will all be relevant to any assessment by officers.”
Individuals were encouraged to seek independent legal advice about specific scenarios.
“The PSNI is committed to upholding the law and supporting both the rights of those accessing lawful healthcare services and the rights of those carrying out legitimate ministry and pastoral care services across Northern Ireland”, the response concluded.
