Leek Preachers Face Backlash Over Offensive Messages

In Leek, Staffordshire, local residents have expressed growing frustration towards street preachers whose messages are perceived as offensive. Ryan Smith, a 21-year-old, initiated a musical protest against the preachers, inviting community members to join him for coffee while he plays music over their sermons. This movement began as a light-hearted response to the preachers' weekly presence in the town. Alan Howard, one of the preachers, defends their actions, claiming they preach love and lament that they are often labeled as hate preachers. He believes their message is essential for those he describes as spiritually blind. Local business owners have reported negative impacts on their establishments due to the preachers' presence. One business owner, Ms. Arapi, noted that customers expressed discomfort with the preachers' messages, which they found hateful. She reached out to the police for assistance, leading to requests for the preachers to avoid her premises. The situation has been particularly distressing for LGBTQ+ individuals, as some have faced direct confrontations from the preachers regarding their identities. Councillor Bill Cawley acknowledged that concerns about the preachers' messages have been raised since 2022, indicating that their words threaten the town's tradition. Despite the backlash, Staffordshire Police reported no complaints about the preachers since August of the previous year. In response to the ongoing situation, the council has established a code of conduct for individuals wishing to busk or preach in the town center. As the community grapples with these tensions, Smith plans to continue his protest and is considering printing t-shirts to garner further support for his campaign against the preachers' messages.