Christians in UK Facing 2 YEARS IN PRISON For Evangelism

September 3, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

Christians in the UK Could Face Up to Two Years in Prison for Public Evangelism — What’s Going On?

In a move that sparked nationwide concern, Rushmoor Borough Council in Hampshire proposed in early 2025 to criminalize public expressions of Christianity, such as praying for passersby and distributing Bibles, with penalties reaching up to two years in prison. After mounting opposition from local evangelists, churches, and the Christian Legal Centre, the council backed down in May, withdrawing its injunction application pending review. But the episode raises urgent questions about the future of religious liberty in the UK.

Background: Rushmoor Borough Council’s Proposed Injunction

In early 2025, Rushmoor Borough Council, the Labour-led local authority covering the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough in Hampshire, filed a court injunction under the Anti-social Behavior, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Their application aimed to impose sweeping restrictions on Christian Street evangelism, including:

Praying for individuals without prior permission
Handing out religious literature like Bibles or Gospel tracts by hand
Laying on of hands, even with consent
Approaching anyone not already street preaching to engage them in religious discussion

Violation of these restrictions could result in fines, prosecution, and up to two years of imprisonment.

The council justified the injunction by citing complaints of “alarm and distress” caused by public preaching, often involving amplified sound, and the impact on local businesses.

Response from Christian Groups and Council U‑Turn

After strong opposition from local churches, evangelists, and the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), the council held a meeting on 23 April. Voices included Conservative councilors Gareth Lyon and Ade Adeola, plus faith leaders, including an Army chaplain and pastors, who denounced the measure as an unprecedented suppression of religious expression. Emotional testimony from street evangelist Sally McGuiness underscored the deep personal impact of potential criminalization.

Read Also: 6 Ways to Gain Credibility in our Gospel Witness

As a result, on or around 12 May 2025, Rushmoor Borough Council announced it would withdraw or pause its injunction application pending review, effectively averting the risk of criminal sanctions for street evangelism—for now.