Street Preaching - The Legality in the UK

[Michael]

SUMMARY
Preaching in the street is lawful, even if it is contentious, unwelcome or provocative, and police officers may not ask preachers to be silent, according to a landmark ruling made in the Supreme Court in July 1999 as detailed here. This is the law of the land in England and Wales.
In the case of a threatened breach of the peace, the police must ask themselves where the threat is coming from. Disproportionate behaviour from a crowd will not allow a presumption that the preacher is responsible for the threat.
Street preachers wrongly arrested or convicted may be able to claim damages from the Crown Prosecutor or the Police.
Regarding the use of amplification, the holding of placards, and alleged obstruction when preaching or giving out tracts, the key test is reasonableness.
Many council bylaws and police instructions used against preachers may be unlawful, but will only be tested when someone is arrested and convicted and appeals to the High Court.

REST OF ARTICLE :-
www.sovereignty.org.uk/features/activistinf/speak.html

[andrew]

I feel that this is wrong of which people can tell us , we are disciple of a higher authority the one who we preach for is far superior than these idiotic fools that say we can not go out and preach the good word and save , (IT IS THE WORK OF THE DEVIL TRYING TO ATTACK) but in Jesus name we rebuke all attacks and go forth and multiplie with furhter christian brothers and sisters praise the holy almighty saviour.

[davidinczech001]

I have a very good friend who loves to preach on the street, and he told me that one day, the police were telling him that he was making too much noise. He replied that the sirens on the police cars also make a lot of noise. The police officer said that sirens were used at a time when there was an emergency.
"Well", replied my friend, "how do you know that this is not an emergency?"

[stevepugh]

Very good answer

Actually l checked this issue out.

Street preaching is an exersize of our Human right enshrined in the international declaration of human rights to which the UK has signed up to.

Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

In England if a person is preaching they are conducting a religious service. Now it against the law to disturb a religious service the penalties are quite severe. The presence of the Police is welcome because it is their duty to uphold the law and prevent disturbance of the service.

The Police have no right to disturb a religious service.

However if two separate persons do make an official complaint then the names and addresses of the complainants are to be handed to the preacher. He then has a duty to investigate the complaints before continuing. If the complaint is that they just don't like preaching then the complainants can and should be prosecuted for disturbing a lawful religious service.

The use of amplification and the laws of obstruction is covered by local bye laws and mainly should be abided by if possible.

The concept of licensing people to preach needs to be resisted at all costs. John Bunyan did not spend 13 years in Bedford jail for nothing.

Let us all stand up and be counted for Christ.


Having said all that, i prefer to preach where people live rather than where people shop.


Steve.

[Michael]

Many thanks, will pass the info on to the boys on the front lines. God bless, Michael

[andrew]

We only should follow law of the lord almighty never mind this world prince of peace is coming soon to sort all the darkness and evil in this wreched world

[stevepugh]

With respect the Law of the land is instituted by the Lord for the government of civil affairs.

It is the Lord who through his ministers administers human society.

Daniel says that 'The most high rules in the Kingdoms of men'.

Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.


When we obey the police or courts we are obeying the Lord.

However if they require something that is contrary to the Will of God then we may step outside the law.

Peter said We must obey God rather than men.
This was only in special circumstances of course.

Tit 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Steve