Stephen J. By Bose, Chief International Correspondent of Worthy News
London (meaningful news) – A Christian pastor detained over the weekend while preaching in a British city says he will follow the example of the Apostle Paul and prove to authorities that he was targeted for preaching the gospel.
Steve Mael, senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of central London, was arrested by three police officers on Saturday, April 18, while publicly sharing his faith, Worthy News reported.
Video footage obtained by Worthy News shows Mel repeatedly insisting he has committed no crime. At one point, an officer appears to allege that he assaulted someone – an allegation which Malley adamantly denies.
Mel was later released and posted a video on social media thanking supporters for their prayers.
Pastor cites Paul’s defense
In the video, Mel said he wanted to defend himself just like Paul, who exercised his legal rights under Roman law, according to the Bible.
“Paul, when he was sitting in prison and being abused by the Roman authorities, he said, ‘I’m a Roman citizen. I’ve got rights, too,'” Mell said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”
He said he plans to consult lawyers and challenge the case, adding that he is prepared to take the case forward.
The Mail said he has been released on bail for three months.
Abuse and custody claims
Mel told supporters that she was “absolutely brutalized and tortured by the British police” and was left in “excruciating pain” after spending almost 12 hours in custody, including time she described as being “double handcuffed” and placed in a cell.
“Guys, I’ve been up all night because of the bruises and pain in my body. I can’t sleep,” he said, holding the King James Bible in his hand.
He described the allegations against him as “completely false” and said he had not assaulted anyone.
During the arrest, he can be heard telling officers: “There’s no crime happening here… I haven’t attacked anyone.”
warning from revelation
Mel said his sermon included a warning taken from the Bible’s Book of Revelation, which mentions judgment and salvation.
He cited a passage about “books” being opened and those not found in “the Lamb’s book of life” facing eternal punishment.
Such passages, involving the Last Judgment, are often used by some Christian preachers to call listeners to repentance and faith.
The Mail said he shared that message during a conversation with police.
Police response and investigation
Authorities confirmed that a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault and a public order offense involving “racially or religiously serious disorderly behaviour”.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said in a statement: “On Saturday 18 April, a man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault and a section 5 public order offence.”
“He has been released on bail while the investigation into the public order offense continues. No further action is being taken in relation to the attack,” the statement said.
Authorities have not disclosed any financial circumstances related to the bail.
Disappointing response after release
Despite the investigation, Mel spoke in an aggressive tone after his release.
He said, “You will never stop Steve Mell from preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
He also insisted that he was arrested only for preaching the Bible.
The circumstances surrounding the public order allegation are continuing to be investigated.
Criticism and public debate
Without elaborating, he claimed that institutions such as the government, the monarchy and the police were “conflicted with Islam”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the Muslim community as “the face of modern Britain”.
King Charles III has in the past praised the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Islamic world.
As the Prince of Wales, he once said that “the Islamic world is the custodian of one of the greatest repositories of accumulated knowledge and spiritual wisdom available to humanity.”
widespread tension over preaching
Mel is not the first street preacher in Britain to face police action following complaints from members of the public.
Pastor Dia Moodley was arrested in Bristol last November on suspicion of inciting religious hatred after discussing the differences between Christianity and Islam. He later claimed that he was attacked by a group of men, although these allegations are disputed.
In another incident in February, police in London’s Whitechapel district refused to take action against a street preacher despite public objections, citing the individual’s right to free speech.
Police warning in different incidents
Separate footage obtained by Worthy News shows a police officer identifying himself as being from Guildford police station in Surrey, south-west of London, issuing a warning to a street preacher over alleged public disorder.
“My understanding is that you were given a community safety warning that day,” the officer says, adding that the behavior was “causing harassment, anxiety and distress.”
The preacher challenged the claim, asking: “What have I done that’s wrong? What, preaching God’s Word?”
The officer responds that the warning has been breached and a Community Safety Notice is being issued.
Police cite distress complaints
The officer warned that violating the notice could lead to arrest.
Officers describe the alleged conduct as “causing annoyance, distress and distress to the local community and businesses in Guildford town centre.”
He says concerns include “the content you are choosing to preach” and “the increased volume of your voice,” which he says “comes across as yelling.”
“It’s disturbing to people to such an extent that they call the police,” the officer says.
Time unclear, wide ranging questions raised
It was not immediately clear when the incident occurred. Yet it raised broader questions.
The Mail case highlights the ongoing tension in the United Kingdom over the balance between freedom of expression and public order and laws governing hate speech.
At present, Mel is on bail as authorities continue their investigation.
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