Christopher Brain, a former Anglican priest and leader of the controversial Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, has been convicted of 17 counts of indecent assault involving nine women. The verdict, delivered by an Inner London Crown Court jury on August 21, marks a significant chapter in a case that has spotlighted institutional failures within the Church of England.
Background on the Nine O'Clock Service:
Established in the 1980s, the NOS was an evangelical movement aimed at attracting young worshippers through unconventional services that blended Christian teachings with rave culture. Held at 9 p.m. on Sundays, these services featured live bands and a nightclub atmosphere, drawing large youth congregations. The Church of England initially endorsed the movement, fast-tracking Brain's ordination despite warnings about his behavior.
Details of the Conviction:
Prosecutors described Brain as a manipulative figure who exploited his spiritual authority to control and abuse female members of his congregation between 1981 and 1995. He created an inner circle of young women, referred to as the "lycra nuns," who were tasked with attending to his personal needs under the guise of spiritual duties.
Brain faced 36 charges of indecent assault and one count of rape involving 13 women. He denied all allegations, claiming any sexual contact was consensual. The jury acquitted him of 15 charges and could not reach verdicts on four counts of indecent assault and the rape charge. The Crown Prosecution Service is considering a retrial for the unresolved charges.
Church of England's Response:
In the wake of the conviction, the Church of England issued an unreserved apology. Bishop Pete Wilcox of Sheffield acknowledged the institution's failure to act on early warnings and pledged an independent review of the church's safeguarding practices. He stated, "What happened was an appalling abuse of power and leadership that should never have occurred."
Implications and Next Steps:
The case has reignited discussions about the Church's accountability and the mechanisms in place to prevent abuse. Legal experts suggest potential liability for the Church in future compensation claims.
As the legal proceedings continue, the victims and the broader community await further actions from both the judicial system and the Church to address the harm caused and to implement measures to prevent such abuses in the future.
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