Watchdog probes Colchester church over sermons

The Charity Commission is assessing concerns linked to an Essex evangelical church.

Sermons at the Bread of Life Community Church in Colchester were criticised for including Islamophobic, homophobic and sexist remarks.

Preacher and trustee Stephen Clayden "wholeheartedly" rejected the claims.

The regulator confirmed it received information from the National Secular Society (NSS) and said it was considering whether it needed to take action.

A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said: "All charities must operate for the public benefit and within the law. Concerns have been raised with us about alleged sermons linked to Bread of Life Community Church."

The commission added that it has opened a regulatory compliance case to assess the claims and determine any next steps, as first reported by Premier Christian News.

The concerns raised by the NSS involved comments made by Clayden in sermons and online videos.

The NSS claimed videos include criticism of feminism and references to Islam and socialism, and some sermons also use biblical passages to condemn homosexuality.

Clayden has defended his remarks, saying they reflect biblical teaching.

In a statement, he said: "We wholeheartedly reject the accusation that our views and statements are anti-Muslim, homophobic, and misogynistic."

Clayden added the statements he made came straight from the Bible.

"They are not my statements; they are biblical statements. As a Bible-believing church, the content of our sermons are biblically based."

Bread of Life Community Church said it was "committed to preaching and teaching the whole Bible, not just the parts which suit society."

It came as the church is in the process of appealing against a legal notice from Colchester City Council. The notice restricts its street outreach activities.

The council previously raised concerns about "intimidating behaviour".

The appeal is due to be heard over two days - at Southend Magistrates' Court on 22 October and at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 29 October.

Christian Concern, which represents the church, said critics are trying to "silence or vilify" Christian teaching.

It said the church's outreach provides "real and substantial public benefit".

Chief executive Andrea Williams said critics were misrepresenting "mainstream biblical beliefs".

She warned against attempts to "suppress lawful Christian expression".

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