The Complete Legal Guide to Street Evangelism in England and Wales

Did you know that street evangelism in England and Wales is governed by specific legal frameworks that protect your rights while ensuring public safety? Understanding these laws empowers you to share your faith confidently and responsibly, avoiding legal pitfalls and fostering respectful engagement with the community. Whether you're new to street preaching or seeking an informed refresher, this guide demystifies the legal landscape so you can proclaim the gospel boldly without fear.

Introduction: Understanding Your Rights in Street Evangelism

• Overview of legal protections for street evangelism

• Importance of knowing the law to preach confidently

• Clarification on COVID-19 restrictions exclusion

Street evangelism holds a special place in public expression, and it is vital to know that your right to preach on public streets and certain public spaces in England and Wales is strongly protected by law. This legal guide to street evangelism offers clarity about what you can do and how to stay within your rights, so you can focus on sharing your message with confidence.

It’s important to note that this guide addresses the standard legal environment when there are no extraordinary restrictions, such as those sometimes imposed, for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary measures vary, and this guide focuses on the enduring law that applies during normal times.

Steve Harris, a legal expert with OAC Ministries, assures us, “We have great freedom to preach on the streets. The police aren't out to get us.”

This foundational reassurance helps evangelists embrace their public ministry without unnecessary fear. Understanding your rights reduces hesitation and helps you minister effectively while respecting the law.

What Constitutes a Public Street for Evangelism Purposes?

• Definition of public streets versus private land

• Precautions around shopping centres and private property

• Public parks and bylaws affecting preaching

When preaching on the streets, it’s crucial to distinguish between public streets - where you have an inherent right to speak - and private land, which requires permission from the landowner. Public streets in England and Wales are generally open to all, allowing free speech and preaching without prior consent.

However, be cautious when preaching in areas that appear public but are privately owned, such as some shopping centres or commercial courtyards. These locations may have their own rules prohibiting unauthorised preaching or distribution of literature, and breaching those rules can lead to legal complications.

Public parks usually permit preaching too, but always check for bylaws at park entrances that might restrict or prohibit it. In the absence of such bylaws, the park is treated much like a public street for evangelism purposes.

Navigating Private vs Public Spaces

• How to identify if a location is public or private

• Legal implications of preaching on private land

Identifying whether an area is public or private can sometimes be tricky.

Public streets are maintained by local authorities and are accessible to everyone freely.

Private land is owned by individuals or companies who may impose restrictions. Signs, fencing, or gates often indicate private property, but not always, so when in doubt, seek clarity from landowners or local authorities.

For those interested in the deeper spiritual motivations behind public ministry, exploring the concept of being God's agent of repentance can provide valuable perspective - see how embracing our role as God’s agents of repentance shapes our approach to evangelism.

Preaching on private land without permission can constitute trespassing and may expose you to legal action. Always verify your location’s status before setting up. If uncertain, it’s often safer and more legally sound to preach on a clearly public street or publicly owned park.

Handling Offense and Hostility During Street Evangelism

• Legal stance on offending listeners

• Distinguishing gospel message offense from personal offense

• Recommended responses to hostility

A common concern for evangelists is whether offending someone with the gospel message can lead to being stopped or facing legal repercussions. Legally, you cannot be silenced or stopped simply because someone is offended by your message. The law protects freedom of expression, even if the gospel is challenging or makes listeners uncomfortable.

Steve Harris of OAC Ministries emphasises, “It's the gospel that's offensive, not us. We should aim to win people to Christ, not to be offensive ourselves.”

This highlights an important distinction: the message may convict or challenge, but our manner should remain respectful and loving.

If your evangelism is met with hostility or provocation, it’s wise to assess how effective your approach is in that setting. Sometimes varying the tone or offering to engage in more private conversations can be the most Christ-like and strategic response. The goal is to share the gospel clearly, not to escalate conflict or shut down dialogue.

Criminal Law Considerations: The Redmond Case Explained

• Summary of Redmond v Director of Public Prosecutions (1999)

• Key legal principles on breach of peace and lawful conduct

• Determining the source of threat: preacher or crowd

The landmark case of Redmond v Director of Public Prosecutions (1999) clarifies important criminal law principles related to street evangelism. In this case, Mr Redmond continued preaching despite police requests to stop due to a feared breach of the peace.

The court ruled that if disorderly or violent behaviour originates from spectators or passersby rather than the preacher, it is those causing the disruption who should be asked to desist or arrested, not the lawful preacher.

This places the responsibility on those reacting with hostility rather than the person exercising their lawful right.

The judge highlighted three critical factors to consider: the imminence of any threat, the source of the threat (preacher or crowd), and whether lawful conduct is being pursued. Since preaching the gospel lawfully fits under lawful conduct, disruption caused by the audience should be managed accordingly.

Civil Law and Obstruction: What Evangelists Need to Know

• Understanding obstruction under the Highways Act 1980, Section 137

• Factors affecting obstruction: duration, position, purpose

• Practical tips to avoid obstruction while preaching

In civil law, street evangelists must be mindful of causing obstruction under the Highways Act 1980, Section 137. Willfully obstructing free passage along a highway can be an offence if it prevents others from moving freely for a significant duration.

Key factors that determine obstruction include how long the obstruction lasts, where you set up, the purpose behind your gathering, and whether the obstruction is actual or potential. Briefly stopping to speak with someone rarely counts as obstruction, but setting up in narrow spaces or blocking entire pathways for long periods may cause legal issues.

To minimise risk, OAC Ministries advises setting up close to existing street furniture like lampposts or benches to avoid creating new blockages and to choose wide pavements or open areas that allow pedestrian flow.

Real-Life Example of Obstruction in Street Evangelism

• Story of an evangelist causing obstruction due to crowd size

• Lessons learned and best practices

One fellow evangelist from OAC Ministries recounted a time when preaching drew such a large crowd that police pointed out no one could pass freely along the street. Although initially unaware, the evangelist acknowledged the obstruction and adapted by choosing locations that better accommodated public movement.

This story teaches an important lesson: while attracting an audience is encouraging, it’s essential to maintain awareness of your environment and ensure public access is preserved to remain within the law.

Distributing Literature: Legal Rights and Restrictions

• Overview of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

• Exemption for religious literature distribution

• Advice on handling challenges from authorities

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 includes provisions regulating distribution of printed matter to prevent littering. It requires consent from the principal litter authority to distribute printed materials in public places.

Crucially for evangelists, Section 4(b) provides an exemption for distribution done for religious purposes, meaning handing out gospel leaflets is legally protected and does not require prior approval. Christians encountering challenges should ask for written confirmation citing this exemption to prevent future misunderstandings.

Knowing this legal protection helps evangelists confidently distribute literature without fear of being unlawfully stopped.

Interacting with Police During Street Evangelism

• Recommended approach when stopped by police

• How to calmly discuss legal rights and resolve issues

• Importance of respect and courtesy for positive outcomes

Encounters with police during street evangelism can be a source of anxiety, but a respectful and calm approach often leads to positive outcomes. The police’s role is to maintain public order and safety, not to impede your lawful ministry.

Steve Harris advises, “If you are kind and courteous and respectful to the police, they will respond in a much better manner.”

Asking calmly why you are being asked to stop and discussing solutions can often resolve misunderstandings.

If told permission is needed, politely inquire who grants it and request suggestions for alternative preaching locations. Cooperation and dialogue demonstrate your intent to comply with reasonable concerns while exercising your rights.

Practical Tips for Effective and Lawful Street Evangelism

• Choosing appropriate locations to avoid legal issues

• Balancing boldness with sensitivity in messaging

• Setting up to minimise obstruction and respect public space

To preach effectively and lawfully, select wide public spaces free from nearby private property restrictions and avoid blocking foot traffic. Setting up beside existing street furniture helps minimise obstruction and complies with civil law.

Bold, clear gospel presentation should be tempered with sensitivity to listeners. Being courteous, listening, and responding thoughtfully builds bridges rather than barriers.

Preparation and awareness enhance your ministry: know the law, respect your audience, and maintain peace. This enables street evangelism that is both impactful and legally protected.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

• Your legal rights to preach on public streets and parks

• How to avoid common legal pitfalls in street evangelism

• Effective communication strategies when facing opposition

• How to handle police interactions professionally

• Understanding civil and criminal law relevant to evangelism

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Evangelism Law

• Do I need permission to preach on the street? No, you generally do not need permission to preach on public streets.

• Can I be stopped for offending someone? No, offence to listeners is not grounds to stop lawful preaching.

• What should I do if police ask me to stop? Stay calm, ask politely why, and discuss possible solutions.

• Is distributing gospel literature legal without consent? Yes, religious literature distribution is exempt from litter authority consent.

• How do I avoid causing obstruction? Choose wide spaces and set up near existing street furniture to minimise blockage.

Summary Table: Legal Guide to Street Evangelism

Key Takeaways

• Street evangelism is legally protected on public streets and parks without bylaws prohibiting it.

• Offending listeners is not a legal ground to stop preaching, but approach should be respectful.

• Police generally support lawful preaching; cooperation and calm dialogue are essential.

• Avoid causing obstruction by mindful location choice and setup.

• Distribution of religious literature is exempt from certain littering laws.

Conclusion: Empowered to Preach with Confidence and Respect

• Recognise your legal freedoms and responsibilities.

• Share the gospel boldly and lawfully with respect for others.

• Seek out resources to deepen your understanding and support your ministry.

As Steve Harris of OAC Ministries encourages, “Go and share the good news of Jesus Christ so that those who may never hear it will have the chance to respond.”

Further Resources and Call to Action

• Access detailed legal guides and evangelical resources.

• Visit The Street Preacher’s Charter for comprehensive support.

• https://the.ci/streetpreachers

If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of the spiritual calling behind public ministry, consider exploring broader themes of repentance and teaching. Our article on embracing our role as God’s agents of repentance in teaching offers valuable insights that can enrich your approach to evangelism and help you connect more meaningfully with those you encounter. By integrating legal knowledge with a heart for transformation, you can take your street ministry to the next level - equipped, inspired, and ready for lasting impact.

Sources

• Highways Act 1980, Section 137

• Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, Section 1(4)(b)

• Redmond v Director of Public Prosecutions (1999)

• The Street Preacher’s Charter

• OAC Ministries official guidance and legal updates

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of the legal aspects of street evangelism in England and Wales, “The Street Preacher’s Charter” by The Christian Institute offers a comprehensive guide on the rights and responsibilities of public preaching, including practical advice and real-life scenarios. (christian.org.uk)

Additionally, OAC GB Ministries provides insights into street evangelism and legal rights, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s freedoms and the limitations regarding public preaching. (oacgb.org.uk) These resources are invaluable for anyone looking to engage in street evangelism confidently and lawfully.

Ken Johnstone MBA BSc - Executive Editor, Biblical Living Unlocked

This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.