78 Year Old Pastor Convicted in Northern Ireland for Preaching John 3:16 Outside a Hospital
Retired Baptist Pastor Clive Johnston Found Guilty Under Buffer Zone Law After Preaching God So Loved the World
Britain has just criminalised John 3:16. Retired pastor Clive Johnston, 78, former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, has been convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court for preaching "For God so loved the world" at an open air Sunday service on the fringes of the buffer zone outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.
The hearing took place on 2 May 2026. The Christian Institute called it a "dark day" for Christian freedom in the United Kingdom.
Northern Ireland Buffer Zone Law Criminalises Pastor Preaching the Gospel
"We held a small, open air Sunday service near a hospital. We made no reference whatsoever to the issue of abortion," Pastor Johnston said. He preached on John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible.
"Prosecuting Pastor Johnston for preaching 'God so loved the world' near a hospital on a quiet Sunday is shocking," said Simon Calvert, Deputy Director of
The Christian Institute. Johnston now faces a criminal record and potential fines in the thousands of pounds. He plans to appeal.
The Crusader's Opinion
Britain has lost the plot. A 78 year old retired pastor preaches the most quoted verse in Scripture on a public street near a hospital, and the state convicts him. There was no mention of abortion. There was no protest. There was the Gospel of John. That is now a crime in Northern Ireland. Every British Christian must wake up. The buffer zone laws were sold as protection for vulnerable women. They are now used to muzzle preachers reading the Bible. Repeal them. Defend the Gospel. Stand with Pastor Johnston as he appeals.
Take Action
- Donate: The Christian Institute, supporting Pastor Johnston's appeal
- Pray: For Pastor Clive Johnston, his family, and the appeal hearing
- Contact: Your MP demanding repeal of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act
- Share: Johnston's story and ask "When did John 3:16 become a crime in Britain?"
- Memorise: John 3:16 in defiance of any law that would silence it
