Christian Pastor Threatened with Arrest After Being Assaulted for Peaceful Preaching

Pastor Dia Moodley, a Christian minister, faced threats of arrest by Avon and Somerset Police after being assaulted by Muslim men who opposed his public preaching in Bristol on 2 August 2025. The incident occurred as the pastor shared a message about the differences between Christianity and Islam while holding a Quran. The men, who claimed the Quran was their book, pinned him to the ground and attempted to take it from his hands.

Police officers responded by issuing two threats of arrest for “breaching the peace,” despite the violent nature of the encounter. The pastor was not charged with any offense, but the incident highlights concerns about the treatment of religious expression in public spaces. The police’s initial response has drawn criticism for what some describe as a double standard in enforcing public order laws.

Pastor Moodley has previously faced similar challenges, including an arrest last year for commenting on Islam. His experiences have led him to engage with international organizations such as ADF International, which has supported his efforts to challenge what he describes as a free speech crisis in the UK. ADF International has filed a complaint regarding the police’s handling of the recent incident and is pursuing compensation for damages to the pastor’s signs, which were destroyed under police instruction.

In a statement, Pastor Moodley emphasized his commitment to peaceful preaching and his belief that all people, including Muslims, should be exposed to the message of Jesus Christ. He described the incident as a reflection of a broader issue in modern Britain, where he claims Christians face targeted scrutiny and suppression of their expression.

Lorcán Price, Legal Counsel for ADF International, has condemned the erosion of free speech in the UK, citing the imposition of de facto blasphemy laws through public order legislation. He called for the repeal of such measures, arguing that they disproportionately affect Christian expression. The case has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers, with the United States expressing concern over the growing restrictions on religious freedom.

The police have since issued an apology for the destruction of the pastor’s signs, a gesture that has been welcomed by ADF International. However, the incident underscores ongoing tensions between religious expression and public order laws. Pastor Moodley’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting free speech, as outlined in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God.

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