ENCOUNTERING PREACHERS IN public is part and parcel of life in a city or large town. It exemplifies the “live and let live” nature of urban spaces, which are shared by people from all cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

We might not always agree with the message, the delivery or the approach, but at least when it happens outside in public spaces, engagement tends to be entirely optional. You can continue walking to work without taking a word in, get on with your shopping, or simply say “no, thanks” and politely decline leaflets. For the most part, this can be done without consequence.

While I personally hold no religious beliefs, I understand that freedom of religious expression is important. With that said, maybe packed aeroplanes and rush-hour buses are not the best place to persuade people to adopt any point of view.

Despite this, a growing number of online preachers are taking to the skies and rush hour buses to try and win people over, both internationally and in Ireland.

Rivals for crying babies

In North America, we’ve got aeroplane preachers. TikTok evangelist Whitney Lynn has filmed herself making “announcements” to other passengers, informing them that they may have a one-way ticket to hell if they don’t change their ways. Lynn admitted that she loves the “captive” nature of an aeroplane, where others have no choice but........

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