The authorities have imposed restrictions on an evangelical church in England, preventing them from preaching the Word of God in the city centre.
The Bread of Life Community Church launched an appeal on May 1, 2026, which Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard against a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
The Safer Colchester Partnership issued the Community Protection Notice (CPN), which is administered by Colchester City Council.
Breaching the notice could result in a criminal offence for the church, which could lead to prosecution.
Pastor Stephen Clayden, currently the leader of Bread of Life Community Church in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, was interviewed by Clacton MP Nigel Farage, where he explained that in six years of ministry, they have rarely had any problems with the authorities.
During the interview, Pastor Clayden added that a weekly cultural group goes out every Wednesday to evangelise to people in Colchester.
The notice served on the church by the council requires it to “cease using amplification” and states that a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in place, which forbids amplification.
“We checked this out. We’ve looked at the documentation online, and it states no such thing,” noting that there is no ban on amplification in Colchester,” said Clayden.
After this, he explained that he tries to be reasonable with the volume, as he understands he is in a public place, but he also wants people to hear the Word of God.
Clayden also stated, “We have preached the Bible lawfully and peacefully in Colchester for six years. We have harmed no one. We will not be intimidated into abandoning the Great Commission.”
Reflecting on recent events, he said, “We had some issues, yeah, I mean only up until recently…” He continued, “It’s only been a few months that the council has been complaining, first of all about the volume, because we have amplified preaching…”
The council also stated that the “noise” is affecting businesses and that the “content” of the message, which they described as “intimidating language,” which includes words such as “hell” or “judgment”, is causing “harassment, alarm and distress.”
The Christian Legal Centre supports the case of Bread of Life Community Church, and Pastor Clayden stated that the church did not act unlawfully during its evangelistic activities, adding that he rejects the claims made against the church by the council.
According to Christian Concern, they stated that it is believed to be an unprecedented use of public‑order powers against a whole church, rather than individual Christian street preachers, and further seeking to criminalise the content of the message rather than just the manner of preaching.
They also stated, “The church provides a regular food bank collection to the local community, and also when church members are preaching, they have in the past bought warm clothes for people who need them. The church has also purchased hot meals for the homeless.”
“This marks a significant shift from regulating noise to attempting to regulate Christian doctrine expressed in public,” Christian Concern stated.
“We respect the law, but we cannot and will not stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.” He added, “No council has the authority to silence the Church,” Clayden insisted.
