Earlier this morning, a judge in Northern Ireland convicted retired pastor Clive Johnston for preaching on John 3:16 within an abortion buffer zone. Abortion buffer zones were sold to the public as protecting vulnerable women, but in reality they are being used to shut down the Gospel.
This should alarm every Christian who values both the Gospel and the historic liberties of these islands. Mr Johnston was convicted after conducting an open-air service near Causeway Hospital, where prosecutors alleged he sought to ‘influence’ those accessing abortion services, even though he never mentioned the subject.
As Christians, we accept that the civil magistrate has a proper duty to restrain violence, prevent harassment, preserve order, and protect the vulnerable. Scripture teaches that governing authorities are appointed to punish evil and commend what is good (Romans 13:1–4). Christians do not object to reasonable laws that curb criminal intimidation or abuse.
But that is precisely why this case is so serious. Laws introduced as modest, compassionate, and tightly limited can be interpreted so broadly that they become instruments against fundamental freedoms. A measure presented as targeting harassment can end by criminalising the peaceful preaching of the Gospel. A statute sold as protecting access can be used to suppress expression. Once vague powers are handed to the state, they seldom remain narrow for long.
Just read Clive’s words and judge for yourself whether this man should be convicted in a court of law. He said, ‘We held a small, open air Sunday service near a hospital. We made no reference whatsoever to the issue of abortion. And yet the buffer zones law is so broad that holding a Sunday service has been found to be a criminal offence. And at 76 years of age I find myself, for the first time, convicted of a crime.’
He continued, ‘If someone is out there causing trouble, stirring up violence, harassing or verbally attacking people, then, absolutely, go ahead and prosecute them. But I wasn’t doing any of those things as the police video shows and as everyone involved in this case accepts. So we are going to go away now and discuss what to do next with our legal team. I am obviously keen to find out what options there might be for me to appeal.’
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