Retired pastor Clive Johnston gave evidence today at his trial for preaching on John 3:16 in one of Northern Ireland’s controversial abortion censorship zones.
The judge has invited lawyers from both sides to make additional written submissions. Another court hearing has been scheduled for March.
The former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, who is being supported by The Christian Institute, faces two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act for holding an open-air service on the fringes of a buffer zone opposite Coleraine’s Causeway Hospital in July 2024.
If convicted, the grandfather of seven – who has never been in trouble with the police – faces a criminal record and potential fines totalling thousands of pounds.
Criminalising acts of worship
Pastor Clive was giving evidence at his trial at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court today, where he pleaded not guilty to the vague charge of ‘influencing’ people accessing abortion services when he preached on John 3:16 at a Sunday service on the fringes of a censorship zone.
The 76-year-old did not even mention abortion at the open-air service, nor were there any abortion-related banners or placards.
District Judge Peter King has deferred his decision, pending additional written submissions. Another court hearing has been scheduled for March.
The Christian Institute’s Director Ciarán Kelly said: “The buffer zones laws are already unjust. They should not also be used to criminalise acts of worship and gospel preaching”, adding: “The Christian Institute will continue to support Clive throughout his ordeal.”
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