Opinion

Bible verse leads to trial in Europe. Growing crackdown threatens our US-UK values

Clive Johnston didn't mention abortion, but prosecutors say his sermon near a buffer zone could have 'influenced' patients

By Simon Calvert Fox News

Published April 26, 2026 8:00am EDT

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A 77-year-old retired pastor stands outside a hospital in Northern Ireland and gives a short message based on a Bible verse that many learned as children: "For God so loved the world…"

For that, Clive Johnston is now on trial.

His alleged offense is not harassment, obstruction or intimidation. It is preaching a sermon —  including the words of John 3:16 — within a legally defined "buffer zone" near a hospital where abortions take place. Prosecutors argue that he may have "influenced" those accessing such services, thus breaching the law.

That word — "influence" — is doing extraordinary work.

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Clive Johnston, 77, after hearing before a district judge at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on April 22, 2026. (The........

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