CHARTER OF STREET PREACHERS CALLS FOR CHANGE"
Staff writer 16 January 2024 | 6:21 AM
Angus Cameron being arrested in Glasgow city centre.(Photo: The Christian Institute)
After a large number of arrests and prosecutions involving street preachers, a new charter is being created.
In order to achieve "an agreed understanding between police and preachers on free speech and to encourage 'best practices' on both sides," the Christian Institute is developing a "Charter of Street Preachers."
According to Christian Institute Deputy Director Simon Calvert, "our in-house attorney, Sam Webster, has been providing advice and training to street preachers for years, working alongside leading organizations such as Open Air Mission."
Through the Street Preachers Charter, we hope to appeal to those who have been called of God to this public ministry and work with them to ensure those preaching know their legal rights and help them as they testify on behalf of local churches.
"If we can establish a solid and professional evangelist charter, this will benefit our discussions with the police and local authorities as we try to help them improve their religious literacy and the quality of their training for staff on how to engage with street preachers.
Street preacher Angus Cameron received a hefty payout from Police Scotland recently after he was arrested for illegally preaching in Glasgow city center.
In 2022, the 52-year-old was arrested on charges of 'violating the peace with the aggravation of homophobia'.
He received help from the Christian Institute in his fight against his arrest. Last week, Police Scotland agreed to pay him $5,500 in damages as well as $9,400 in legal fees.
Mr. Cameron donated the entire amount of his compensation to the Christian Institute.
"Angus' sermons didn't target individuals; he didn't use offensive language; he wasn't aggressive; he didn't try to offend; he just quoted the Bible," Calvert said of his arrest. No crime happened.
"The arresting officer mistakenly believed that his sermon was illegal because someone claimed to be 'offended'. The capture was completely unnecessary and carried out with a heavy, unseemly hand."
Street evangelists should send an email to streetpreachers@christian.org.uk to get more information about the planned CI Charter and invitations to free training events.
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