UK Pastor Convicted for Preaching in Free Speech No-Go Zone

In yet another attack on free speech and the free practice of religion, retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnston has been convicted and fined for holding an open-air service based on John 3:16 near an abortion facility in Northern Ireland.

Pastor Johnston, the 78 years old former president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, led a brief Sunday service on July 7, 2024, on the fringes of what is known as a “safe access zone” outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The gathering included hymn singing and preaching on the Gospel verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Not once was abortion mentioned.

Despite this, Pastor Johnston was charged under Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act 2023 with two offences that he has now been found guilty of and fined £450.

Pastor Johnston described the conviction as “a very dark day for Christian freedom.” The Christian Institute, which supported his case, warned that the ruling criminalizes the peaceful preaching of core Christian beliefs simply due to their location.

This is believed to be one of the first cases in which a pastor has been penalized not for protest or harassment, but for a peaceful religious service.

What are “safe access zones” supposed to do? Their alleged aim is to ensure women seeking abortions aren’t harassed upon entering a facility where abortions are committed. However, their broad wording risks the suppression of legitimate religious expression and now, public Gospel proclamation.

This case highlights growing tensions over free speech and religious liberty in the UK, as biblical Christianity continues facing increased restrictions in public spaces.

Pray for Pastor Johnston and his family as they consider an appeal to this ruling. Pray also for courage for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to continue proclaiming the Gospel, and for a society that upholds true freedom of religion and speech for these are rights given to us by God that the government is meant to protect.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!