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British police officer rebukes street evangelists: 'I just think it's all wrong'

Michie

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A police officer has been filmed confronting a pair of Christians in London for street preaching.

Mon B, a preacher with Mad 4 Jesus Ministries, told the Daily Mail that the officer informed them that they could not stand in front of the barriers and that they were told to move on.

In the confrontation, the British Transport Police officer tells the evangelists, "These people just want to do their journey, they're not coming here to listen to you."

Continued below.
 

seeking.IAM

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I don't know British law as to what is legal and what is not, but upon reading the words "loud speaker," my support shifted to the officer. I don't want to be loudly harangued about anyone's product or interest while walking in public. I don't even like noisy restaurants where I can't hear the person sitting across the table from me. Could you please witness a little more quietly?
 
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RileyG

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I don't know British law as to what is legal and what is not, but upon reading the words "loud speaker," my support shifted to the officer. I don't want to be loudly harangued about anyone's product or interest while walking in public. I don't even like noisy restaurants where I can't hear the person sitting across the table from me. Could you please witness a little more quietly?
Agreed. I work in retail and I’m exposed to noise nonstop. It can be quite irritating.
 
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trophy33

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With churches in almost every town square I do not see a need to shout at people on the streets about God. Everybody who is interested can visit a church service or talk with some pastor. Or use internet.
 
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Tuur

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If accurately reported, the police officer had a valid point until the response until asked would a happy, clappy, song be tolerated. The correct answer would be "No, it would not. The same thing applies. Please move along." Instead the officer apparently voiced an opinion about what they were saying, not how and where they were saying it.
 
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rebornfree

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The police have a responsibility for keeping people safe. It's not clear what barriers the evangelists were in front of, but if they were impeding people's journeys that is not going to help the gospel. I've commuted in London. It was busy, noisy, fast-moving and could be dangerous if people don't keep moving. I'm on the side of the police in this. As for their response, they probably meant that impeding people's journeys is wrong not that Christianity is wrong.
 
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Uriah S

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In my opinion, street preaching does more harm than good. As noted, most commuters in London just want to get where they're going.

I'm not saying it's always harmful, but for the times it has planted a seed, I've seen it be counter-productive so much more. For every one that may be saved, many more become more shut off.

Most people these days know about Jesus. Problem is they usually know something that isn't quite so, and broadcasting generalities at them won't change much. Evangelism takes individual conversation.

Again, just my opinion, clumsily expressed.
 
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Gregory Thompson

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This is "a similar category" law I found. It might provide some context.


You may need a licence from your council to busk in England and Wales.

Restrictions​


Busking is not illegal but your council will tell you about byelaws or rules you must observe, such as:


  • not making too much noise
  • not blocking public highways (footpaths, pavements, open pedestrian areas)
  • not displaying notices asking for payment
  • not carrying out street trading (you need a street trading licence for this)
  • only busking in certain parts of the town or for a limited period of time

Children under 14 aren’t allowed to busk.


===

So buskers are not allowed to "make too much noise" "block public footpaths" and are restricted by the time and location where they can busk.

Since street evangelists are not acting according to this custom, it makes sense that a police officer would say this is just wrong.

The passage in scripture where it is said "love does not act unseemly" or "love is not rude" may apply here. The chapter in Romans that tells us to follow the laws of the country we're in also sounds relevant. Even if "technically" Evangelism on the Street is not busking, it is similar - it may go a long way to present the gospel in a manner that is law abiding.
 
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Gregory Thompson

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Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. (Ezekiel 33:32)
 
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