A church in England on Wednesday (Oct. 14) handed a 27,000-signature petition to a city council after local authorities ordered members to stop preaching the gospel with amplification in public.
Supporters of Bread of Life Community Church gathered outside the Colchester City Council’s offices to present the petition to Pamela Donnelly, the council’s chief executive. The CitizenGo petition demands that the council withdraw a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
The church asserted the order could criminalize the Rev. Stephen Clayden and church members for street ministry in the city center. The petition coincides with an appeal to be filed against the CPN at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Oct. 22).
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said the case touches on basic religious freedoms and free expression.
“Powers intended to tackle genuine anti-social behavior must not silence lawful Christian outreach or prevent Christians from sharing their faith in public,” Williams said. “The petition reflects growing concern that the consequences could reach far beyond this case, affecting churches and Christian ministries across the country. Christians must remain free to share the hope of the gospel openly and peacefully.”
Christian Concern’s case notes state that the CPN restricts both the church’s use of sound amplification and the content of its message. Council wardens claimed that biblical teaching about hell causes “harassment, alarm, and distress,” according to the legal rights group.
The church called the CPN an unprecedented application of public-order powers against an entire congregation rather than individual preachers.
Clayden said the church has preached peacefully and lawfully in Colchester for years, serving the community and sharing the Christian faith. He added that the petition demonstrates strong support among people who believe authorities must respect freedom of religion and expression.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported us, and we will continue to defend our right to preach the gospel in public,” Clayden said.
The church has conducted weekly outreach in the city for six years, including preaching, singing hymns, distributing literature, and offering food bank collections and support for vulnerable and homeless residents.
The church strongly rejects allegations that its activities cause harassment, alarm, or distress, maintaining that members conduct outreach peacefully and lawfully. Members contend that freedom of religion and expression protect their rights to share Christian beliefs publicly.
Organizers say the case raises significant questions about whether councils can use anti-social behavior powers to restrict religious expression, warning that the outcome could set a precedent well beyond Colchester.
