News Release
Former DPP backs street preacher’s charter
Politicians and church leaders will gather in Westminster on Wednesday to attend the launch of a unique new publication designed to protect the rights of street preachers.
Hosted by Lord Jackson of Peterborough, and with a contribution from Baroness Fox of Buckley, the invitation-only event will highlight The Christian Institute’s “Street Preacher’s Charter” (the.ci/streetpreachers).
The Charter sets out the rights and responsibilities of individuals who engage in public preaching or share their beliefs in the streets of England and Wales. It is intended to support those who preach on the streets, and to guide police and local authorities in upholding long-standing free speech protections.
Former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC is also expected to attend the launch. In his foreword to the Charter, he explains:
“The emergence of free speech in our society was partly forged amid the legal persecution of Christian open-air preachers. 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.
“If conducted responsibly, street preaching can enhance the vibrancy of our public squares and serve to remind us that we are a society where free speech is valued and different opinions and beliefs are tolerated.”
Sam Webster, Solicitor Advocate and Head of Legal at The Christian Institute, was the primary author of the Charter. He will tell the launch event:
“Our Charter seeks to remind police and local councils of the freedoms that street preachers have enjoyed in this country for hundreds of years, whilst at the same time capturing a sense of the often-difficult but important job performed by police and local officials in keeping order on the streets.
“Our hope is that over time, we will see more and more street preachers who make the Charter their own. And in due course we would love to see police forces and councils who might be prepared to formally endorse the Charter.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Read the Charter:
• Read the Charter: the.ci/streetpreachers
• Print copies can be requested via info@christian.org.uk
• Read about the wrongful arrest case that inspired the Charter: