A former Church of England priest who led an influential evangelical movement in Sheffield has been found guilty of sexually assaulting nine women from his congregation.
Chris Brain, the 68-year-old founder of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), was convicted on Wednesday of 17 counts of indecent assault following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court.
He was cleared of an additional 15 charges of indecent assault. The jury was unable to reach a decision on one charge of rape and a further four counts of indecent assault.
NOS was founded by Brain in 1986 with the aim of appealing to young people. It blended live music and multimedia, and attracted hundreds of young people in its heyday during the late 80s and early 90s. It was eventually wound down in 1995 amid allegations of sexual abuse.
During the trial, the court heard claims that Brain misused his position to prey on vulnerable women in the congregation.
One woman claimed she had been assaulted by Brain after returning from a traumatic night spent helping families to identify victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
Prosecutors alleged during the trial that NOS had become a "cult" and that "a staggering number" of women from the congregation were targeted.
Brain denied all of the allegations, telling the court that any sexual encounters with women in the NOS movement were consensual.
He also denied claims that he had manipulated or bullied church members, describing NOS as “a free, open, really caring, very fun environment”.
The Lead Safeguarding Bishop, Joanne Grenfell, and the National Safeguarding Director, Alexander Kubeyinje, said: "Our thoughts and prayers today are with the women who have bravely come forward to share their testimonies.
"The conviction of Chris Brain on 17 counts of indecent assault has resulted in lasting damage to their lives, and they were an appalling abuse of power in leadership that should never have happened. We are truly sorry.
"The National Safeguarding Team has worked closely with the diocese of Sheffield since the women came forward including the ongoing offer of support."
The Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, said: "As Bishop of Sheffield, I want to speak directly to the survivors, their families and friends, and to everyone affected by these events. I am deeply sorry for the harm you have suffered.
"I recognise that a mixed verdict can be profoundly painful: for some it may bring a measure of justice and relief, and for others it will feel incomplete, confusing, or retraumatising. Those reactions are understandable and I am truly sorry for the continued hurt this brings.
"What happened was an appalling abuse of power and leadership that should never have occurred. Where concerns were raised in the past and were not acted upon properly, that was a failing of the Church. For those institutional failures I offer an unreserved apology.
"We are committed to supporting those affected. The Diocese will continue to cooperate fully with the police and any other authorities."
Anyone who needs help or who has information to share is invited to contact the Diocese of Sheffield Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@sheffield.anglican.org or visit: sheffield.anglican.org/safeguarding or access the independent support set out here: sheffdio.org/nossupport
