Story perspectives

Clive Johnston Fined for Hospital Safe-Zone Sermon, U.S. Watches

5/12/2026

Summary

Johnston Convicted

Coleraine Court convicted Clive Johnston on May 7 for breaching a safe-access zone at Causeway Hospital, fined £450, under Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, although his July 7 2024 sermon omitted abortion.
Christian Institute said Johnston may be the first person prosecuted for preaching John 3:16 in a safe-access zone.
Deputy director Simon Calvert warned the case sets a precedent for religious liberty, noting a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington is monitoring it.

Summary

Johnston Denies Guilt

Pastor Clive Johnston, 78, former president of Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, said after the verdict he did not commit the acts shown in police video and had never been convicted.
Franklin Graham, president of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, praised Johnston’s preaching of John 3:16 on Facebook.
Christian Institute Director Ciarán Kelly called the ruling creeping censorship, said group will appeal, and warned law criminalises Gospel preaching.

History

Historical Context

In 1990 the U.S. Supreme Court’s Employment Division v. Smith upheld Oregon’s ban on peyote, rejecting a religious exemption. The backlash led Congress to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993, approved by the Senate 97-3. The 2024 Northern Ireland conviction of Baptist leader Clive Johnston for violating the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act revives the clash between neutral statutes and religious practice.

1 of 3

Johnston Convicted

Coleraine Court convicted Clive Johnston on May 7 for breaching a safe-access zone at Causeway Hospital, fined £450, under Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, although his July 7 2024 sermon omitted abortion.
Christian Institute said Johnston may be the first person prosecuted for preaching John 3:16 in a safe-access zone.
Deputy director Simon Calvert warned the case sets a precedent for religious liberty, noting a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington is monitoring it.

1 / 3