I’ve always been fascinated by how religious individuals take to the streets, each with their unique way of sharing their faith with the public. Some hold placards in silence, while others preach, sing, or use megaphones. At times, larger groups marching in unison to share their messages. These are just a few of the many ways that different religious people share their faith in public.
In this article, I’ll explain how different religious groups connect with the public.
List of Contents
- Christianity (Christians)
- Catholicism (Catholics)
- Islam (Muslims)
- Hare Krishna's (Hinduism)
- Jehovah's Witnesses
- Black Hebrew Israelites
- Preaching Through Recorded Messages
- Large Rallies and Gatherings
- Speakers Corner
- Captivating Voices of Faith: Video Links
- Poll: What do you think of public preaching?
Christianity (Christians)
What Do Christians Believe?
Christians believe in one God and follow Jesus, who they see as God's Son. Their message is all about love, forgiveness, and the idea of living forever in heaven, using the Bible as their ultimate guide.
How Christians Engage with the Public
In the UK,Christians are among the most visible in publicly expressing their faith. Standing or sitting quietly, some individuals let their placards share their message. They’re open to chatting about faith and Jesus if you feel like starting the conversation. You might get a free leaflet or even a Bible from some of them.
You’ll see some people giving out leaflets and booklets in a quiet, low-key way. Some wear sandwich boards to spread their message and preach loudly. You’ll often hear music too, with groups coming together to sing and share their beliefs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Every year, Christians march through the streets in their hundreds or thousands, sharing pro-life messages and participating in the 'March for Jesus' Rally, where they use songs, dance, prayers, and preaching to spread their faith
While their approach can sometimes be overly enthusiastic or assertive, they aim to spread the message of Jesus and encourage people to explore Christianity. This public presence adds to the diverse religious landscape of the UK, highlighting the dynamic ways Christianity is expressed in public spaces.
Catholics (Catholicism)
What do Catholics Believe?
For Catholics, there’s one God, and they believe Jesus is the Son of God. They celebrate the Eucharist and also have a strong respect for Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as the saints
How Catholics Engage with the Public
Catholics reach out to others by holding public rosary prayers in various places across the UK which bring together groups of people who pray the rosary together and invite anyone to join them, offering a chance for spiritual connection and community support.
In addition to prayer meetings, Catholics often gather in large numbers to walk through the streets, engaging in silent prayers and singing religious songs. They also join in marches to support pro-life causes and speak out against abortion. Some groups protest on the streets to share their views on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights.
Other groups will give away free rosary necklaces while preaching in public. However, as a branch of Christianity, Catholics are generally less prolific in public preaching.
Muslims (Islam)
What do Muslims Believe?
Muslims worship one God, known as Allah, and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which are written in the Quran.
How Muslims Engage with the Public
Muslims don’t preach aloud on street corners. Instead, they’ll set up stalls in crowded areas where they invite people to come and learn about their faith.
If anyone stops and looks curious, they will invite you over and ask about your religious beliefs, and will talk to you about the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and the Quran.
They even give out free copies of the Quran and other booklets to explore their beliefs at your own pace.
However, Muslims are very prolific in preaching in public every Sunday at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, near Marble Arch Underground station, where they engage in discussions with individuals with different religious beliefs.
These interactions can range from light-hearted exchanges to extreme heated debates, which sometimes escalate into verbal hostility and even physical confrontation, particularly with certain individuals of other religions, including agnostics and atheists who challenge Islam and its principles.
Hare Krishna's (Hinduism)
What do Hare Krishna's Believe?
Hare Krishnas, who are followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), believe that Lord Krishna is the supreme God.
Their faith is based on books, like the Bhagavad Gita (a Hindu scripture). These sacred books guide how they live, including chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, meditation, and helping others. They strongly believe in love, kindness, and building a deep connection with God through devotion and a simple way of life.
Hare Krishna's Engage with the Public
The Bhaktivedanta Lives in Sound Society (BLISS) is a global group dedicated to spreading Krishna consciousness. In the UK, Muslims are quite active on Oxford Street, giving out spiritual books and sharing a message of God's love that connects everyone, no matter who they are. They will ask for donations if you decide to take one of their books they offer you.
They can also be found chanting the 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama Mantra' at busy areas like Oxford Circus, Leicester square and Trafalgar Square.
They also take part in public celebrations and processions, chanting and playing musical instruments such as drums and cymbals to create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Their aim is to share the spirit of the movement, inviting others to experience its sense of community and devotion, and show the different ways the Hare Krishna movement connects with the public.
Jehovah's Witnesses
What do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?
Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's) believe in Jehovah as the one God. They don’t do birthdays or holidays, and they stay clear of things like voting or blood transfusions.
How Jehovah's Witnesses Engage with the Public
Small groups —one to twelve people, can be seen quietly standing outside train stations, busy shopping areas, or along high streets where they display notice boards and literature and waiting for people to stop and talk.
Instead of approaching people or preaching, they let their presence do the talking and are always open to chatting with anyone interested in their beliefs.
I have spoken to dozens of JW's and asked if they woul;d speak pon camera to explain their faith or say a prayer, but they never speak on camera to explain who they are and what their religion stands for. Instead, they will offer free literature to explain their faith, and direct you to their website (jw.org) for more information.
Furthermore, they've moved away from their original approach of knocking on people's homes to share messages, adopting a more reserved and passive presence in public in how they interact with others.
Black Hebrew Israelites (Hebrew Israelites)
What do Black Hebrew Israelites Believe?
Some people who follow the Black Hebrew Israelite (BHI's) believe that African Americans are actually descendants of the ancient Israelites in the Bible. They see themselves as God's chosen people. They follow the Old Testament laws and don’t align with mainstream Christianity. Their beliefs focus on living a righteous life and restoring their spiritual heritage. Some groups also advocate for social justice and empowerment within Black communities, seeing their faith as a means to reclaim both identity and heritage.
How Black Hebrew Israelites Engage with the Public
Black Hebrew Israelites are often found in busy areas, but are not as prolific as other religious groups. The way they operate is, one person speaks out loud, and then another reads passages from the Bible. This keeps things interesting and encourages people to stop and listen. They share their beliefs about their Israelite heritage, the importance of following God’s laws, and the need for social justice and support for Black communities.
They put a lot of focus on race and biblical interpretation, which often stirs up public debate. Some people even accuse them of promoting divisive or racially charged ideas.
Their outspoken and controversial views can create tension, and their public meetings often turn into hotspots for heated discussions.
For instance, during a Palestine protest at Trafalgar Square, things got so intense between them and another group that the police had to step in and form a human barrier to keep the peace.
There were even reports of them allegedly making racist statements, with some people filing complaints to the police. I can’t confirm if those claims were true, though.
Out of all the religious groups I’ve come across, my experiences with the BHI were by far the most confrontational—sometimes even crossing into aggressive territory.
Preaching Through Recorded Messages
You’ll probably hear them before you see them—mainly Christians standing in busy spots, like outside train stations or along crowded streets, using loudspeakers to play pre-recorded messages, sharing Bible passages or their beliefs with everyone passing by.
They also hand out leaflets, offering them to people as they walk past. This kind of public evangelism relies on technology to spread their message to a wider audience.
Some people see it as a peaceful and meaningful way to share their faith, while others find it intrusive or a bit much. Still, these individuals are out there trying to reach as many people as they can, believing their message might bring hope or guidance in today’s fast-paced world.
Mass Rallies and Marches of Faith
Overview of Mass Rallies
Huge crowds come together for the 'Marches of Faith' rallies, where Christians, Catholics, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals unite to share their beliefs. Sometimes it’s for a specific cause, other times it’s about celebrating their faith or spreading their message. There’s a real sense of togetherness at these events, with people praying, singing, and worshipping as they show their passion for what they believe in.
I’ve been to pro-life rallies where people gather to oppose abortion and speak up for the unborn. They usually have speeches, group prayers, and hand out leaflets to get their message across. You can see how much it means to them—it’s not just a cause, it’s something they hold deeply personal.
That said, things can get really tense when pro-abortion supporters show up. I’ve seen both sides shouting back and forth, debating who’s right and wrong. The atmosphere becomes charged, and you can feel the intensity from both groups. To prevent things from spiralling out of control, police and private security are always present, keeping a close eye on the situation to maintain order and ensure everyone’s safety.
What really stands out are the visuals people carry huge crucifixes, signs, and banners, all with messages about the value of life while marching through the streets, You can really feel the passion behind what they’re standing for.
There are also counter-protest groups who support abortion rights, and they often clash with pro-life supporters. I’ve seen them argue loudly, each side passionately trying to prove their point about what’s right and wrong. The shouting and debates can get intense, with neither side willing to back down. It’s clear how deeply both groups feel about this issue, and the confrontations are impossible to ignore.
To keep things under control, there’s often a visible presence of police and private security, making sure things don’t escalate and that everyone stays safe.
The 'March for Jesus' rally is a huge event that takes place every year, with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people from various Christian denominations joining in to celebrate their faith. This lively, vibrant march takes place in London and other cities across the globe. This event creates a parade-like atmosphere, filled with dancing, singing, and preaching about the Gospel.
The "March for Jesus" is a chance for people to showcase the positive aspects of Christianity in public. Believers join together to express their faith with joy, creating a strong sense of community and sharing the message of Jesus with everyone around them.
These mass gatherings often draw attention from the media and the public, highlighting the active role that faith plays in societal issues. They provide a platform for religious individuals to voice their beliefs and concerns, encouraging dialogue and engagement with broader societal topics.
Large Religious Gatherings Offer Opportunities for Faith and Connection
Buddhists: For Buddhists, Vesak is a time when people come together to mark the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. It’s not just about prayer—there’s chanting, dancing, and performances that really bring their faith to life. It’s one of those moments where the whole community gathers to reflect on the teachings and connect on a deeper level.
Jewish: Jewish communities often organise marches and rallies to stand up for their rights and promote religious freedom. These events are about remembering key moments in their history, like Yom Kippur and Holocaust Remembrance Day. In my experience, these gatherings aren’t just about looking back — they’re also a call to action. They remind us of the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism and the importance of standing united against hate and prejudice.
Hindus: Hindu groups come together to celebrate festivals like Diwali and Navaratri, but these events go beyond just celebrating culture, they also address social and political issues. Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights,’ is one of the most vibrant celebrations, with fireworks, prayers, and rituals that symbolise light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. From my own experience, these festivals really highlight the strong sense of unity within the community, bringing people together to celebrate their rich culture.
Sikhs: Sikhs celebrate 'Vaisakhi', an important day marking both the harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa, a significant moment in their history. It takes place in areas like Trafalgar Square and other popular spots across the UK. The day is filled with vibrant music, dancing, lots of stalls, and 'Langar' (free food) that brings everyone together. These gatherings not only strengthen Sikh identity but also provide an opportunity to share their values of compassion and unity with the broader society.
Speakers' Corner: A Location for Diverse Religious Dialogue
Overview of Speakers' Corner
Speakers' Corner, right in the north-eastern corner of Hyde Park, has been a hub for public debate since the 19th century. It’s still buzzing every Sunday afternoon, with people gathering to talk about everything under the sun. Figures like Karl Marx, Winston Churchill, and George Bernard Shaw have all spoken there, addressing the big issues of their time. Now, it’s a lively space for people from all walks of life to express their opinions, though religious debates, especially between Christians and Muslims, can sometimes get pretty intense.
A Melting Pot of Perspectives
At Speakers' Corner, you’ll see people from all sorts of religious backgrounds. These days, there are more Muslims than anyone else, though Christians are still around, just in smaller numbers. There are also individuals in both groups who take their beliefs to extremes and are extremely radical.
Standing on soapboxes, speakers voice their opinions passionately, making the environment more vibrant. Sometimes, it’s all friendly chats and people exchanging ideas, but other times, the conversation gets a bit too intense, and things can even get physical.
However, be aware that many attendees, including creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and others, often live-stream or record and upload their footage, so if you choose to join any discussions, be prepared for your conversations and actions to potentially remain online indefinitely.
Resources
- London's Street Preachers Compilation Videos: Immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of street preachers as they passionately share their beliefs in the bustling heart of the city.
- Religious Moments Across London: A collection of diverse religious encounters, capturing debates, the March for Jesus, and pro-life rallies, along with sermons and spontaneous religious moments across the city.
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