78-Year-Old Pastor Fined for Preaching Near Northern Ireland Hospital
A retired pastor, 78, has been found guilty and fined after preaching about the Gospel near a hospital in Northern Ireland. Clive Johnston expressed his sorrow over the verdict, stating, “At 78 years old, I never thought I’d walk out of a courtroom convicted for sharing the Christian gospel. But more than that, I’m worried about what this means for our nation’s fundamental freedoms.”
On May 7, District Judge Peter King of Coleraine Magistrates Court ruled that Mr. Johnston entered a “secure access zone” outside Causeway Hospital on July 7, 2024. The Safe Access Zone Act in Northern Ireland prohibits actions deemed to “influence” or cause distress to individuals within 100 meters of abortion facilities.
Johnston was fined £450 (about $614) for “causing influence” within this protected area, marking a potential first for someone charged under this law for preaching without even mentioning abortion, according to the Christian Institute, a faith-based advocacy group.
He cautioned that convicting someone for reading one of the most recognized Bible verses sets a dangerous precedent for both freedom of religion and speech in the UK. “If sharing God’s love can be labeled as harmful merely because someone might hear it, then we’ve crossed a serious line,” he said.
He referenced John 3:16, highlighting its message of hope and love, and questioned if, under such restrictions, the public expression of Christian faith could remain safe.
Mr. Johnston is not alone; others have faced legal action under similar laws. For instance, Scottish grandmother Rose Docherty was arrested twice for holding signs inviting conversation in protected areas. There have been reports of individuals being prosecuted for silent prayers in these zones, raising broader concerns about the implications of these laws.
Johnston criticized the law’s vague wording, warning that it could lead to increased government overreach. “If preaching peacefully can be deemed unacceptable, what’s next?” he asked. He believes Christians could find it increasingly difficult to express their faith publicly.
Footage from the July 2024 incident shows police advising Johnston that preaching in the clearly marked safe access zone could be considered a criminal offense. They suggested he seek a “safe space” inside the hospital chaplain’s office for religious guidance.
Currently, Johnston is contemplating an appeal of his conviction. He emphasized that preaching within the buffer zone was meant to counteract its chilling effect on sharing the Gospel. “I urge fellow Christians not to succumb to fear. We have a message of hope and must respond with peace and courage,” he remarked.
Ciaran Kelly from the Christian Institute warned about what he termed “creeping censorship” in the UK. He expressed concern that if this judgment stands, it could significantly restrict religious freedom and speech, adding that they would support Johnston in considering his options for appeal.
The U.S. State Department has indicated it is monitoring the situation, emphasizing that such actions against speech and religious expression are concerning for the values shared between the UK and the U.S.
The Crown Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland confirmed Mr. Johnston’s conviction for actions in a secure access zone, citing his intent or recklessness in affecting protected persons and failure to comply with police directives to leave.
