A new resource for evangelists on their rights and responsibilities when street preaching has been published by The Christian Institute.
The Street Preacher’s Charter, endorsed by Open Air Campaigners GB and Open-Air Mission, sets out legislation relating to public evangelism and provides guidance on good practice, enabling preachers in England and Wales to engage with the public and police with confidence.
The Charter outlines key principles illustrated by extracts from the law and real-life scenarios, demonstrating how the law operates, and the responsibilities of both the police and street preachers.
The Christian Institute has produced this helpful guide for street preachers. It is written in the form of a Charter, a document which enshrines duties and responsibilities alongside reciprocal rights and privileges. It also provides an overview of relevant laws. The purpose is to encourage good practice whilst discouraging behaviour which might give street preaching a bad name.
In the foreword, former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC writes how “delighted” he is to endorse the Charter, noting how it aims “to encourage good practice” as well as give “an overview of relevant laws”.
Institute Director Ciarán Kelly commented: “Drawing on our many years assisting responsible Christian street preachers, it aims to help preachers and police officers alike to better understand and uphold the law.”
“It is an invaluable asset for gospel freedom”.
“Today, both our common law and modern human rights instruments uphold those hard-fought freedoms, and they are routinely used and enjoyed by those of all faiths and none.”
The Charter sets out the law, including Article 10(1) that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers”.
It answers relevant questions, such as ‘Are there any restrictions to my freedom of religious speech?’: “Police should not restrict the freedom of speech of street preachers unless it is necessary and proportionate in order to; protect public safety, prevent disorder or crime, protect the rights and freedoms of other people”.
The document also gives practical examples to illustrate the law: “A pastor is preaching the Gospel message in a town centre. He comments that God calls all people to repent of sin and believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. Someone in the crowd complains to a police officer that they feel offended. The officer who has been listening takes no action.
“The preacher has conducted himself in a reasonable manner. He has expressed what his faith teaches. There is nothing threatening, abusive or insulting in what
he has said. Although a person claims to be offended by the message, there is no right merely not to be offended.”
The Institute is committed to advocating for gospel freedom and has helped hundreds of Christians with advice on open-air evangelism.
Dale Mcalpine, who has twice been wrongly arrested for street preaching, said: “I’m extremely grateful to The Christian Institute for helping me take a stand. I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s important we have them to defend our religious liberties.”
Praveen Kumar explained: “When our local council wrongly invoked a Public Spaces Protection Order to fine several of our church members for handing out free copies of John’s Gospel, The Christian Institute got involved. Their support and legal assistance were instrumental in causing the council to revoke the penalty notices. Our evangelistic work has since been able to continue.”
Open-Air Mission wrote: “We are grateful to The Christian Institute for their helpful advice in defending biblical and winsome evangelism when our workers have been unfairly challenged by police or local authorities. This has happened several times and the Institute has always been willing to help.”