A pastor cleared after a months-long police investigation into his street preaching has told Premier Christian News that he will not “walk away” from sharing the gospel in Bristol.
Pastor Dia Moodley was arrested on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” in November 2025. He had been answering questions in Broadmead about the theology of heaven in Christianity and Islam, as well as transgender issues.
Police have confirmed “no further action will be taken” against the 58-year-old, the second time officers have come to that conclusion after previously arresting him in March 2024.
In an interview with Premier, Pastor Dia shared how he was glad it was over but “really upset” that he, his family and congregation were put through the investigation for “peacefully preaching the gospel”.
He described it as an example of “two-tier policing”, after officers took the word of complainants and refused to consider his view and video of what was preached. In interviews, officers asked whether the pastor went to the city centre “knowing that there are Muslims there”, whether he “thought it was fair to preach your Christian view”, and if he “would be like the Jehovah's Witnesses as they don’t get into trouble”.
“It’s not just an anti-free speech agenda. This is an anti-Christ agenda. They don’t want us to speak the name of Jesus Christ in this nation, but we must continue to glorify God by the proclamation of the gospel.”
Pastor Dia told Premier he would continue to street preach with his congregation, despite threats being made against him.
At Easter, a man was filmed coming up to the pastor to say he would “send the boys round and have a word with you” for preaching about Islam. Avon and Somerset Police said there was not enough evidence to continue a criminal investigation.
“I'm a pastor. I shepherd my flock, and to that end, I'm also a Christian soldier. No soldier abandons the battlefield. I would be a coward and a traitor to my Lord and Savior if I left the battlefield for my safety, for just being at peace.
“I have not thought about stepping back. People say tuck in the sails, get the boat into the harbour, have a rest. I can’t do that, because the gospel needs to be preached. People need to hear about Jesus Christ, and there's no time to take a rest. It's time to continue.
“These people will not step into my church on a Sunday morning, so I need to go to where they are. So we're following the Jesus model, he goes to where they are and he asks them the questions, the pertinent questions that concern them, and they get a response from him regarding their lives and how they need to follow God”, he added.
ADF International has supported Pastor Dia through his case. The Christian advocacy group has said the dropping of the investigation is a “free speech win” and a “vindication of Pastor Dia’s lawful conduct”.