UK pastor says he was arrested for preaching the gospel, speaking out against Islam

Maile is a gospel singer and the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, England, a town outside London. For 45 years, the New Zealand native has preached and performed mission work globally. He told Fox News Digital that he often performs famous songs with lyrics altered to convey a Christian message.

As he was handcuffed, Maile continued to preach and insisted no crimes had been committed.

A female police officer appeared to mockingly respond, "In the name of Jesus, get in the car."

Maile told Fox News Digital that his wife and children watched him preach and filmed the encounter. He said he was shocked by his treatment in custody after decades of ministry.

"Literally, in seconds, I mean, they didn't even talk to me or warn me or read me my rights," he told Fox News Digital. "I was double handcuffed. In excruciating pain because these double handcuffs are pretty horrendous things. I was literally in shock. I thought, goodness, what have I done? What's going on?"

Maile said he was detained for 12 hours without his phone and was not allowed to use the restroom. Police initially told Maile he was under arrest for assaulting a teenager, a charge Maile denied and which was later dropped. Maile remains under investigation for an alleged public order offense.

The Hertfordshire Police confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital, "A man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault and a Section 5 public order offense (racially or religiously aggravated disorderly behavior)." Police said he was released on bail while an investigation into the public order offense continues and "the conduct of the officers was reviewed and it was deemed no further action was necessary."

Regarding allegations that he preached "hate," Maile said he does not shy away from preaching the exclusivity of the gospel message.

"I don't preach hate. I don't preach violence. I preach the love of God, the mercy of God and the goodness of God in Christ Jesus," he told Fox News Digital. "Everybody needs to come by the way of the cross ... And nobody gets a free pass."

Maile said he needed wrist splints for three weeks after being handcuffed for around 90 minutes. He is currently taking legal advice while on bail and says it could take up to a year before his case is heard by a judge.

"They chose the wrong man because I'm not going to capitulate," Maile said. "I've got great news. God is on my side."

The Christian Legal Centre called the arrest "deeply troubling."