Christians in Essex are heading to court to defend what they say is their right to preach the Gospel publicly after Colchester City Council banned their use of loudspeakers and ordered them to stop warning passers‑by about Hell.
Clacton’s Bread of Life Community Church received a Community Protection Notice (CPN) from the Safer Colchester Partnership, run by the city council, after complaints that its street preaching had “alarmed and distressed” people. The notice accused members of telling passers‑by—including children—that they were “going to Hell,” and warned that continuing the behavior could lead to fines or prosecution.
Issued in March under the Anti‑social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the CPN prohibits the church from using amplification during its weekly outreach in Colchester’s city center. Authorities said the preaching created excessive noise, disrupted nearby businesses, and intimidated residents.
The church, represented by the Christian Legal Centre, denies targeting children and argues the notice effectively bans them from preaching core Christian messages. Pastor Stephen Clayden, who founded the congregation six years ago, warned that losing the appeal could embolden councils across the country to restrict street preaching—or even scrutinize sermons inside churches. He called the possibility “a very dark day for the country.”
Clayden said the ban on “engaging or intimidating behavior” limits their ability to preach “as the Bible tells it,” noting that their message includes warnings about Hell and judgment alongside teachings on salvation.
A council spokesperson said repeated complaints prompted officers to issue a Community Protection Warning, followed by the CPN when concerns persisted. The church has appealed, and magistrates will hear the case on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29.
On Wednesday, Clayden delivered a petition with more than 27,000 signatures to Colchester Town Hall, calling for the ban to be lifted. Supporters joined the congregation on Colchester High Street, where Clayden preached from Romans without amplification. “We’re abiding by the CPN,” he said, “but the Gospel belongs on the streets.”
Christian Legal Centre Chief Executive Andrea Williams argued that councils must not use powers intended for genuine anti‑social behavior to silence lawful Christian outreach. She warned that restricting street preaching could lead to restrictions inside churches as well.
The church maintains that authorities are targeting the content of its message, not its conduct. Petition organizers said the congregation had preached in Colchester for more than six years without complaints and regularly supports the community through food bank collections and providing warm clothing.
In May, Reform UK MP Nigel Farage, who represents Clacton, met with Clayden and publicly backed the church. The congregation thanked him in a Facebook post, saying they discussed “Jesus, evangelism and the Bible.”
The court’s decision will determine whether the church can resume amplified preaching—or whether the CPN stands as a precedent for future restrictions on public evangelism in Britain.