UK Pastor Dia Moodley Cleared of Wrongdoing After Police Drop Charges

Pastor Dia Moodley, 58, of Bristol, England, faced a months-long criminal investigation after his street sermon last November. Authorities arrested him for allegedly committing a ‘religiously aggravated’ offense under the Public Order Act, having commented on Islam and transgender ideology. The investigation did not result in charges. Avon and Somerset Police later informed that the evidential threshold for a conviction was not met.

ADF International, a legal advocacy group, highlighted that Moodley was detained for eight hours before being released on bail. Moodley argues this reflects growing restrictions on Christian free speech in Britain.

During an Easter sermon this year, Moodley reportedly faced threats while preaching. He compared Jesus to other religious leaders, claiming Jesus as the only one risen from the dead. A bystander approached Moodley, suggesting threats if he continued. Despite reviewing video evidence, police found insufficient evidence to pursue the matter and stated they could revisit the case if new evidence emerged.

This incident marks the second time Moodley has been arrested while street preaching. A previous arrest in March 2024 also ended without charges, with an apology issued by police.

Moodley is evaluating whether to take legal action against the authorities, alleging a violation of his free speech rights.

In a related scenario, Pastor Steve Maile in Watford is facing charges for hate speech after preaching against Islam. Likewise, retired pastor Clive Johnston was fined in Northern Ireland for a sermon delivered in an abortion ‘buffer zone’.