A church in Essex will appeal a legal notice which could make aspects of its street preaching a criminal offence.
Bread of Life Community Church was issued with a Community Protection Notice on behalf of Colchester City Council in March, preventing the use of speakers during their outreach to stop what authorities described as “intimidating behaviour”.
The notice accuses the church of delivering a message that causes “harassment, alarm and distress” and describes the activity as “unreasonable” with a “detrimental effect on the community”.
A two-day appeal has been scheduled for 22 and 29 October, following an initial hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, as reported by The Independent. A number of church leaders and members were present in court.
At the hearing, Michael Phillips from the Christian Legal Centre said this was the “first attempt by a local authority to control the speech” of a group.
“This was preaching which took place in public as it has done for millennia”, he said, raising concerns about the “imposition” of the notice “without engaging with the local interested parties”.
The church denies harassment or intimidation, maintaining its preaching has been “lawful and peaceful” with no evidence it has harmed the community. It says outreach in Colchester and Clacton includes preaching, singing hymns and offering support such as food and clothing to those in need.
Representatives from Colchester City Council defended the notice, stating that it “wasn't an attempt by a state body to censure a local religious group”.
The council alleges a “vulnerable man”, assisted by a carer, “found the noise of the amplification too loud” and was told “he was going to hell” for putting his hands over his ears.
Laura Austin, for the council, said there had also been allegations of “homophobic comments and chants to members of the public”.
A petition against the ban has reached more than 23,000 signatures. Nigel Farage, MP for Clacton, has met Pastor Stephen Clayden to discuss the case and freedom of speech.
A case management hearing is due to take place at Colchester Magistrates' Court on 21 August. The 22 October hearing is scheduled for Southend Magistrates' Court, with 29 October set for Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
