'Cult' priest guilty of rape and assault of women
Summary
Chris Brain, a former Church of England priest, was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting 13 women who were part of a church group called the Nine O'Clock Service in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s. Brain abused his position to control and harm the women, who were often isolated from family and dependent on him.Key Facts
- Chris Brain was convicted at Inner London Crown Court after a retrial.
- He was found guilty of 22 sexual offences against 13 women.
- The victims were members of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), a church group known for its nightclub-style worship.
- Brain encouraged members to cut off contact with family and friends, making them dependent on him.
- Some victims cared for Brain 24/7 and were subjected to sexual abuse, including rape.
- Brain admitted some sexual contact but claimed it was consensual and for affection.
- The abuse took place mainly between 1981 and 1995, and Brain quit the priesthood when accusations first arose in 1995.
- Church and police officials apologized for past failures and praised victims for their courage in seeking justice decades later.
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