The  Christian Institute has urged supporters to pray for Pastor Clive Johnston ahead of his appeal against a conviction for breaching an abortion buffer zone.

Johnston, 78, was convicted and fined after he delivered an open air service within an abortion clinic buffer zone in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, in July 2024. During the service Johnston delivered a sermon on popular bible verse John 3:16. Abortion was not mentioned at any point during the service.

In May Johnston was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court and fined £450. His appeal is to be heard by the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Thursday.

The Christian Institute, which is supporting Johnston, said his lawyers would argue that buffer zone laws do not prohibit the preaching of the gospel.