Aug 23, 2025 05:59 PM
(This post was last modified: Aug 23, 2025 08:37 PM by C C.)
Ex-Church of England priest found guilty of sexually abusing nine women
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/uk-news/...2025-08-22
INTRO: Chris Brain, 68, former priest of a "cult-like" Christian group once endorsed by the Church of England, has been convicted of sexually abusing nine women in his congregation. The verdict, delivered by a jury on Thursday, follows years of allegations surrounding Brain and the Nine O'Clock Service, an evangelical movement based in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s.
Known for its nightclub-style Sunday evening worship sessions aimed at young people, the group once drew hundreds of attendees and enjoyed official church support.
However, prosecutors revealed that Brain exerted significant control over his followers, isolating them from loved ones and exploiting his authority to commit widespread sexual abuse. A group of young female followers, nicknamed “the lycra nuns,” served him and his family at their home.
Brain faced 36 charges of indecent assault and one charge of rape involving 13 women between 1981 and 1995. He denied the allegations, claiming that any sexual contact had been consensual.
Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, he was convicted on 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women but cleared of 15 other charges. The jury could not reach a decision on four remaining indecent assault charges and the rape allegation, and prosecutors are considering a retrial... (MORE - details)
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/uk-news/...2025-08-22
INTRO: Chris Brain, 68, former priest of a "cult-like" Christian group once endorsed by the Church of England, has been convicted of sexually abusing nine women in his congregation. The verdict, delivered by a jury on Thursday, follows years of allegations surrounding Brain and the Nine O'Clock Service, an evangelical movement based in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s.
Known for its nightclub-style Sunday evening worship sessions aimed at young people, the group once drew hundreds of attendees and enjoyed official church support.
However, prosecutors revealed that Brain exerted significant control over his followers, isolating them from loved ones and exploiting his authority to commit widespread sexual abuse. A group of young female followers, nicknamed “the lycra nuns,” served him and his family at their home.
Brain faced 36 charges of indecent assault and one charge of rape involving 13 women between 1981 and 1995. He denied the allegations, claiming that any sexual contact had been consensual.
Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, he was convicted on 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women but cleared of 15 other charges. The jury could not reach a decision on four remaining indecent assault charges and the rape allegation, and prosecutors are considering a retrial... (MORE - details)