Religious charity: Humza Yousaf’s victory was “a scheme of Satan”

The lead pastor of an evangelical Christian charity has said Humza Yousaf's election as First Minister was a "scheme of Satan".

Dave Brackenridge preaches at the Home Church Scotland, a charity registered under "the advancement of religion". He made the comments in a sermon livestreamed on YouTube last month (pictured).

Brackenridge is also chief executive of Scottish charity Rookie Rockstars, which provides 'anti-bullying workshops' in primary schools. It claims to operate in 23 out of 32 Scottish council areas.

Rookie Rockstars has received over £23,000 in funding from the Scottish government and £28,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, who are now investigating the comments. The Scottish government has declined to comment.

YouTube sermon: "How did we get there? Satan".

In the sermon, Brackenridge said both Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "need Jesus". Yousaf, a Muslim, is a "godless leader", he added.

"How do we get to the place where we've got a Sikh [sic] Prime Minister and a Muslim First Minister but a Christian can't get anywhere near the table in politics?", he asked, alluding to the electoral failure of Kate Forbes MSP who belongs to a Christian church which opposes gay marriage and abortion.

Sunak is a Hindu, not a Sikh.

Brackenridge added: "How did we get there? Satan".

He stated he was willing to lose his job in order to spread the word of Jesus and claimed he would be "put in jail" for his comments.

Divisive religious charities

The National Secular Society has long been concerned that 'the advancement of religion' charitable purpose enables charities to promote extremist rhetoric deriving from religious dogma.

Earlier this month, the NSS co-signed an open letter to the Charity Commission calling for an urgent investigation of Islamic charities promoting antisemitism and glorifying terrorism in the wake of the October 7 attack against Israel. The Commission has now announced it is assessing "a significant number of serious concerns".

In April, the government terminated its funding of a religious charity whose chair called Islam "demonic". The move came after concerns were raised by the NSS.

The NSS has previously reported religious charities to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) over extremism concerns. They include one charity which promoted Covid-19 conspiracy theories, and another which said women should be subservient to men. In both cases, OSCR refused to take action because the views expressed are a "manifestation of a religious belief".

NSS: Charities spreading "harmful rhetoric"

NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said: "No charity should be used as a platform for divisive and harmful rhetoric.

"Unfortunately, OSCR has a history of being unable to prevent charities from promoting these kinds of messages under the cloak of religion.

"That's why a review of the charitable purpose of 'the advancement of religion' is needed urgently."

Media coverage:
The National: Scots pastor condemned for 'disturbing' comments about Humza Yousaf