Supporters of Bread of Life Community Church will gather outside Colchester City Council’s offices on Wednesday, 14 October, to deliver a petition to the council’s chief executive, Pamela Donnelly, opposing the authority’s decision to issue the church with a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
The CitizenGo petition, which has been signed by over 27,000 people, calls on the council to withdraw the notice, which the church says could criminalise its pastor and members for continuing their Christian outreach in Colchester city centre.
The petition delivery comes as the church, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, prepares to challenge the notice through the courts, with a hearing relating to the matter due to take place at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 22 October.
Bread of Life Community Church believes the CPN represents an unprecedented use of public-order powers against an entire church rather than individual street preachers.
The church argues that the notice goes beyond concerns about amplification and seeks to regulate the content of Christian preaching, including references to traditional biblical teachings.
The notice, issued following months of engagement with council wardens, prohibits the church’s use of amplification during its regular city-centre outreach. Breaching the notice could result in criminal sanctions.
For more than six years, the church has held weekly outreach events in Colchester, including preaching, hymn singing, distributing Bibles and literature, and engaging with members of the public.
Alongside its evangelistic work, the church supports the local community through food bank collections, assistance for vulnerable people, and support for those experiencing homelessness.
The church strongly rejects allegations that its activities have caused harassment, alarm or distress and argues that its outreach is conducted peacefully and lawfully.
The church maintains that freedom of religion and freedom of expression protect its right to share Christian beliefs in public spaces.
Organisers of the petition say the case raises significant questions about the extent to which councils can use anti-social behaviour powers to restrict Christian beliefs in public and warn that the outcome could have implications well beyond Colchester.
Pastor Stephen Clayden, of Bread of Life Community Church, said:
“We have preached peacefully and lawfully in Colchester for many years and have sought to serve the community as well as share the Christian faith. This petition demonstrates the strength of feeling among those who believe freedom of religion and freedom of expression must be protected.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported us and we will continue to defend our right to preach the gospel in public.”
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said:
“This case goes to the heart of Christian freedom and freedom of expression. Powers intended to tackle genuine anti-social behaviour must not be used to silence lawful Christian outreach or prevent Christians from sharing their faith in public.
“The petition reflects growing concern that the consequences could reach far beyond this case, affecting churches and Christian ministries across the country. Christians must remain free to share the hope of the gospel openly and peacefully.”