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NewsThe Daily WireMay 7, 2026United States

Pastor Convicted for Preaching Outside Northern Ireland Hospital

A 78-year-old pastor was convicted and fined for holding an open-air church service outside a hospital in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, which is designated as a 'Safe Access Zone.' The conviction centers on laws restricting activities that could influence individuals accessing abortion services.

religious freedomabortion accessfree speechlegal proceedingsNorthern Ireland
Read the full story at The Daily Wire

Why It Matters

The case establishes a legal precedent regarding the application of '' laws to religious activities, potentially limiting where public preaching can occur near medical facilities in Northern Ireland.

Key Facts

  • Pastor Clive Johnston was convicted and fined over $600 for preaching outside Causeway Hospital.
  • The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, during an open-air Sunday service.
  • The conviction was based on the 'Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act' in Northern Ireland.
  • The Act prohibits activities like protests or sidewalk counseling within designated buffer zones around abortion facilities.
  • Prosecutors argued the preaching could 'recklessly' influence a 'protected person' accessing services.
  • Police previously informed Johnston that gospel sharing should be restricted to a hospital chaplaincy room.
  • The Christian Institute is assisting Johnston in exploring an appeal of the ruling.
  • The U.S. State Department has stated it is monitoring the case.

Who's Mentioned

personPeter King“The judge who presided over the case and issued the fine.”locationCauseway Hospital“The hospital in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, where the incident occurred.”personCiarán Kelly“Director of The Christian Institute.”organizationThe Christian Institute“A UK-based organization supporting Johnston's legal defense.”personClive Johnston“A 78-year-old Christian pastor convicted for preaching outside a hospital.”