National Secular Society files complaint against Essex preacher with Charity Commission

The National Secular Society has lodged a formal complaint with the Charity Commission concerning Stephen Clayden, who leads the Bread of Life Community Church in Clacton. The complaint alleges homophobic, misogynistic, and Islamophobic remarks in sermons uploaded to YouTube. The church holds registered charitable status and receives tax exemptions, including gift aid recognition from HMRC. "

Clayden told The Times that his teaching on marriage is "an exhortation to return to traditional Christian marriage" and that the church rejects accusations of misogyny. He added that the church does not hate LGBT people and seeks their conversion to Christianity.

" Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society said taxpayer money should not subsidise such views. The church is appealing a Colchester council order restricting street preaching after complaints about intimidating behaviour.