US Monitors UK Prosecution of Retired Pastor for Preaching Near Hospital

A retired pastor in the United Kingdom is awaiting a ruling after standing trial on criminal charges relating to a gospel sermon he preached near a hospital.

Clive Johnston, 77, faces two charges from a July 7, 2024, sermon on John 3:16 he delivered near Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. Prosecutors claim he violated Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act 2023 by preaching near a hospital where abortions are performed.

If convicted, Johnston could face a criminal record and a fine of up to £2,500 ($3,376). He may be the first person prosecuted under the law for preaching a sermon unrelated to abortion in a protected zone, according to the Christian Institute, which is supporting his legal case.

At Wednesday’s hearing at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court, a district judge announced he would reserve judgment until May 7, according to the legal group. A newly released police bodycam video of the July 2024 incident was shared with Fox News Digital Wednesday.

In the video, an officer approaches Johnston to tell him he is in a clearly marked safe access zone and cannot be filming or preaching in the area. “You can say to yourself, in the goodness of my heart, ‘I am coming here to preach the word of God,’ however, if you are reckless, as to the effect that it could have on patients, staff or any protected person, then you may be committing an offense.”

Johnston replies in the video, “That is an incredible thought. Because what you’re saying is the word of God, which the country has had free to proclaim and read in church for hundreds of years, freedom since the Magna Carta, suddenly could become offensive because it’s outside a hospital.” The officer told Johnston he may go inside the chaplaincy area in the hospital if he wants a “safe area” to give “religious guidance or comfort or help.”

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