Case of prison chaplain banned for whistleblowing to be heard at county court

The case of a pastor banned for 10 years prison chaplaincy will not proceed to judicial review but will be heard at a county court instead, the High Court decided on Tuesday.  

Pastor Paul Song, 51, a former detective, was banned from the chaplaincy after a 2018 whistleblowing interview with the Mail on Sunday in which he alleged that Islamic extremists had hijacked his chapel and Bible classes at HMP Brixton. 

In the interview, he said inmates had taken over the prison's Christian chapel and praised the killers of murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

He described fearing for his safety after being assaulted and racially abused by Islamic inmates.

"Some openly spoke in the chapel in support of Islamic State," he said.

Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Pastor Song brought a High Court claim for judicial review against the Secretary of State for Justice over the decision to exclude him.

Judge Julian Goose said, however, that his case should be heard at county court where crucial and contested witness evidence can be heard.

Responding to the judgment, Pastor Paul Song said he was determined to continue his fight for justice and reveal the truth about Islamic extremism in British prisons.

 "I am looking forward to bringing it to the County Court where the full extent of Islamic extremism at Brixton prison and the actions of the authorities which led to my removal will be exposed," he said. 

"I was deeply shocked and hurt when I received the letter telling me that I would be banned for 10 years from doing what I have been called to do through my Christian faith.

"After 20 years of service supporting vulnerable inmates at HMP Brixton, I have been severely punished for exposing the truth.

"What has happened to me has set a dangerous precedent for anyone else who dares to tell the public about the growing domination of Islamic extremism in our prisons. I am determined to fight for justice."

News
'Passion' star Jim Caviezel recalls the time Jesus appeared to him
'Passion' star Jim Caviezel recalls the time Jesus appeared to him

Actor Jim Caviezel recently claimed that Jesus Christ supernaturally appeared to him more than 20 years ago as he was considering whether to take the starring role in "The Passion of the Christ," Mel Gibson's 2004 film depicting the Crucifixion. 

Frasier star Kelsey Grammer says standing up for Jesus is worth the cost
Frasier star Kelsey Grammer says standing up for Jesus is worth the cost

Emmy Award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer has said he’ll never deny his faith in Jesus Christ, even if standing by his beliefs comes at a personal cost, and shared why he believes Christians have a responsibility to remain steadfast in an increasingly fractured culture.

Why John Stott’s ‘Christian Counter-Culture’ still challenges the church
Why John Stott’s ‘Christian Counter-Culture’ still challenges the church

After more than 45 years, John Stott’s teaching on the Sermon on the Mount remains a fresh challenge to a church too comfortable with the world.

MP challenges plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday
MP challenges plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday

Carla Lockhart MP has spoken out against plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday.