The Emmanuel Free Church of England in Morecambe, a registered charity, has been reported to the Charity Commission after an online sermon featured Reverend Brett Murphy describing Judaism as a 'demonic cult' and making derogatory remarks about Islam. The National Secular Society (NSS) filed the complaint, arguing that the church's rhetoric violates its legal obligation to act for the public benefit while enjoying tax benefits under 'the advancement of religion'.
Sermon Content and Controversial Statements
In the sermon, Murphy called Judaism a 'false religion' and quoted US Christian nationalist Doug Wilson, saying: 'When the jews are bad, they're very, very bad.' He also used offensive language to describe converts to Islam, calling them 'absolute retards'. These remarks have drawn widespread criticism for their antisemitic and anti-Muslim nature.
Murphy's church is scheduled to host a 'Make Great Britain Christian Again' conference later this month. This is not the first time Murphy has sparked outrage; he has previously referred to the gay pride flag as the 'sodomite flag' and called for an end to gay couples adopting children. In 2023, he resigned from the Church of England, which he now calls heretics, after making derogatory comments about a senior leader who came out as transgender.
Anti-Muslim Comments and Context
In a July video on the Project Britannia YouTube Channel, Murphy said, 'stop these hordes of heathen Muhammadans coming into our country. Of course we do. We're being invaded by an army of heathens who want to kill us.' He added, 'You get so many of these absolute retards turned to Islam, because they're desperate.'
The NSS highlighted that religious charities can receive tax benefits under 'the advancement of religion', which includes activities like running food banks, providing community services, and assisting in international aid—services that 'many churches still do', according to the NSS. However, charities and churches are free to interpret this term as they wish.
Call for Charity Law Reform
Alejandro Sanchez from the NSS told Metro: 'The virulent homophobia and social division espoused by Mr Murphy is completely incompatible with Emmanuel Free Church's legal obligation to act for the public benefit. The public purse should not be bankrolling this repugnant rhetoric.' He added, 'This is the latest in a long line of religious charities promoting antisemitism and homophobia. Charity law must be urgently reformed to ensure no organisation can exploit the sector to promote hate and division.'
Metro has contacted Brett Murphy and the Charity Commission for comment. The Charity Commission has not yet issued a public response. The NSS's report adds to growing concerns about the use of charitable status to spread hate, and the outcome of the Commission's review could set a precedent for how religious charities are regulated.
