Nigel Farage backs anti-gay preacher amid council banning order dispute

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage recorded a video with Stephen Clayden, pastor of the Bread of Life church, after Colchester council issued a community protection notice limiting Clayden’s street preaching. In the YouTube video, Farage told Clayden he was “fully on your side” and said he would enlist contacts at the Free Speech Union to assist the congregation.

'On your side' Party leader gives backing to anti-gay preacherThe Guardian

Colchester council’s community protection notice cited two main issues: the volume of the church’s outdoor preaching and the content of its messages. Initial complaints focused on amplification levels, which the council said were not prohibited. At a preliminary hearing, wardens added concerns about the congregation’s repeated warnings that the Bible describes homosexuality as an “abomination,” a stance the council deemed potentially harmful. The Bread of Life church has been preaching on the streets for more than six years.

The Guardian

Stephen Clayden said his sermons are drawn directly from biblical passages and that the council’s objections extend beyond volume to the church’s stance on homosexuality. A Christian Concern spokesperson argued the notice infringes on long-standing Christian street ministry and the right to proclaim biblical teachings. A Labour Party spokesperson condemned Farage’s support, saying it aligns with extreme voices and fails to represent working-people.

The Guardian

The Labour Party criticised Farage for aligning with “extreme voices,” urging him to denounce the homophobic language used in Clayden’s preaching and to distance himself from the remarks.

The Guardian

Sources differ on the council’s primary motive, initially citing volume and amplification, later emphasizing anti-homosexuality rhetoric as a key concern.

The Guardian

• “All adulterers, all fornicators, all sodomites, all drunkards, all thieves, all blasphemers, all liars, all mockers. Their home shall be in the lake of fire … we are here telling you what the word of God says.” — Stephen Clayden, Bread of Life pastor

'On your side' Party leader gives backing to anti-gay preacher

• “They hear about words in the Bible like judgment and sin and repentance. They don’t like hearing the holy words of God … they are offended by what the Bible says when the Bible says homosexuality is an abomination.” — Stephen Clayden

The Guardian

• “This is just the latest in a string of examples that show Farage and Reform stand for division and are not on the side of working people.” — Labour Party spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Bread of Life church has been out on the streets of Colchester preaching the Christian gospel for more than six years.” — Christian Concern spokesperson

The Guardian

The council’s preliminary hearing indicates further legal review of the notice. Christian Concern and Farage say they will continue to challenge the decision.

The Guardian