The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory compliance case into Bread of Life Community Church, escalating its involvement after previously assessing concerns raised about sermons linked to the Essex-based church. 

A spokesperson for the regulator said: "The Commission has clear expectations that all charities, regardless of their purpose, must operate for the public benefit and within the law.

"Concerns have been raised with us about alleged sermons linked to Bread of Life Community Church and we have opened a regulatory compliance case to continue assessing these to determine any next steps."

The move follows complaints from the National Secular Society (NSS), which raised concerns over comments made by preacher and charity trustee Stephen Clayden in sermons and online videos.

In his sermons, he can be heard saying: "The Muslims do not intend to take over by simply blowing people up or flying planes into buildings”, adding that they were “outbreeding the white population”.

He continued: “And the biggest mistake, the biggest mistake the UK has ever made, and the US has ever made, is allowing Muslims into positions of political power.”

In previous statements, Clayden rejected accusations that the church's teaching is anti-Muslim, homophobic or misogynistic.

"All of the statements I have been quoted on are statements which come straight from the Holy Bible," he said. 

The church is also appealing a community protection notice issued by Colchester City Council over concerns about its street outreach activities. Lawyers representing the church argue the measure amounts to an attempt to restrict religious speech in public spaces.

Further court hearings relating to the church's appeal against the council notice are expected later this year.