The title of my video and blog post today is, Arrested for speaking the truth! In this post I reflect on reports that a Christian street preacher, Shalini, was detained by the Met Police during the Unite the Kingdom rally after saying that Sharia law has no place in the UK. This follows public statements in Parliament making similar claims. Whatever your view on the subject, the question remains: are our free-speech standards being applied consistently, and how should Christians respond?
What Happened and Why It Matters
According to commentary shared online by Rev. Canon Brett Murphy, Shalini—well known for preaching at Speakers’ Corner—was arrested while speakers on the platform defended freedom of speech. The contrast between parliamentary speech and street preaching raises issues of policing, public order, and the equal application of law. As Christians, our first concern is not to score political points but to bear witness to truth with clarity and love.
A Christian Lens: Truth and Love Together
The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to speak the truth, but to do so in a way that reflects Christ’s heart. Truth and love are not rivals; they belong together. If our speech is true but loveless, we misrepresent Christ. If our tone is kind but we avoid truth, we still misrepresent Him.
Scriptures (NKJV)
John 8:31–32 — “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 14:6 — “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
John 18:37 — “…Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Ephesians 4:15 — “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—”
Ephesians 4:25 — “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
Another view of the Street Preacher arrested at the back of the Unite the Kingdom Rally. As speakers were defending freedom of speech the Met Police arrested Shalini who is a regular preacher at speakers corner. Why was she detained? She said “Sharia law has no place in the UK”.… pic.twitter.com/q7TBpwXGxc
— Rev’d Canon Brett Murphy ✝️ 🙏 🇬🇧 (@RevBrettMurphy) September 13, 2025
Britain’s Heritage and Today’s Tensions
Britain has been shaped by Christian values that prize conscience, truth, and the dignity of every person. Those values are tested when our neighbours disagree with us. But Christian freedom has always been expressed in public witness: honest speech, peaceful conduct, and prayerful dependence on God. If free speech is to mean anything, it must be applied consistently—even when officials or onlookers dislike the viewpoint being expressed.
How Should Christians Respond?
- Pray for wisdom, peace, and favour for all involved—preachers, police, and public.
- Speak truth in love, avoiding insults or provocation. Our aim is to point to Christ, not to win arguments.
- Obey Scripture and honour lawful authority while using lawful means to challenge inconsistency.
- Stand together graciously. Unity in Christ strengthens our public witness.
A Simple Gospel Invitation
The greatest freedom is the freedom Jesus gives. He died and rose again so we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. If you want to follow Christ, you can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and Saviour of my life. I repent of all my sins and ask You today to take complete control of every aspect of my life. Amen.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about free speech, policing, and the Christian call to speak truth in love? Please share your thoughts below. Let’s keep the discussion respectful and focused on Christ.
Related Posts on A Countryman’s View
- Calming the Storm (Luke 8:22–25)
- Going Through the Furnace
- Is the Building Shaking? (Acts 4:31)
- More Christian Commentary on Current Events
- More Devotionals
Scripture Credit
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version®. Used for reference.