All Abuse articles
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News AnalysisExplained: Who was Chris Brain and what was the Nine O’Clock Service?
Chris Brain, leader of the now-disgraced Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault. It is the latest scandal to rock the CofE and once again poses questions around complaints that were ignored for years
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ReviewsInside the Cult of the Jesus Army is a sensitive portrayal of the pain of abuse
Focusing on former members as they unpack the trauma inflicted by years of coercion, control and abuse within the Jesus Army, a new BBC documentary lays bare the grim reality the cult managed to mask for decades. Watching it, Tim Wyatt says, there’s little to do but weep with them
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OpinionAge verification on porn was just the first step. Now we need to ban it altogether
As age checks on UK porn sites come into effect, James Mildred welcomes the move but argues it doesn’t go far enough. To truly protect our children, we must confront the harms of the porn industry and push for a total ban, he says
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Magazine FeaturesTirades of abuse, constant criticism and physical assault: Meet the church leaders abused by their congregations
As one church leader reports being afraid to open their emails in anticipation of the abuse they’re likely to receive, Heather Tomlinson investigates the claim that pastors - not congregants - are the most common victims of spiritual abuse
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Real Life‘Healing from trauma has been a long journey. Now I’ve written a book to help others’
Tracey-Jane Campbell was a successful music artist. But behind closed doors, she was struggling to come to terms with childhood trauma and abuse. Now, she wants to help others
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News AnalysisExplained: Who is Sean Feucht and what has he been accused of?
A former Bethel Church worship leader turned political activist Sean Feucht is facing allegations of spiritual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as financial impropriety. Tim Wyatt explains
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OpinionMichael Tait has confessed his sins. I’m relieved he did the right thing
After being accused of serious sexual misconduct and drug abuse, the former Newsboys singer Michael Tait has issued a full apology. George Luke hopes other Christian leaders caught in sin will take the same approach
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OpinionWhy the mainstream media’s reporting on alleged abuse at YWAM falls short
Christians should be grateful whenever abusive practices within the Church are brought into the light. But too often a lack of religious literacy within our national newspapers leads to inaccurate reporting, says Tim Wyatt
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OpinionKathleen Stock and Laurence Fox are testing the bounds of free speech. I know who I side with
Free speech protects great minds discussing ideas, not small minds abusing people, says George Pitcher, as he looks at the recent cases of Laurence Fox and Kathleen Stock
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OpinionThe CofE cannot mark its own homework when it comes to safeguarding
To the bewilderment of many, the General Synod has voted against transferring oversight of its safeguarding to an independent body, a decision that George Pitcher says has shown it is well past time to purge the CofE of its hypocrisy
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Real Life‘My husband abused me. The church told me to forgive him’
Jill was told by church leaders to “forgive” her abusive husband. She explains why such advice amounted to spiritual abuse
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OpinionThe Children’s Society were wrong to cancel Welby - but I understand why they did
Refusing a donation from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes sense in our ’cancel culture’ society, says Miriam Cates. And until the CofE starts putting people above process, the problems will remain
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News AnalysisWhy is the leader of a once-thriving London church being deported?
Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the now defunct SPAC Nation church, faces deportation after losing his appeal to the Immigration Tribunal to stay in the UK. George Luke explains what has taken place
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OpinionHow the trauma of advent brings God's healing
When God came into the world, it was traumatic, argues George Pitcher. But Advent reminds us that now, more than ever, the Church needs the healing balm of Jesus - even if it is painful at first touch
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OpinionJustin Welby’s resignation is too little too late for victims of abuse
The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith
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News AnalysisJustin Welby has resigned. What happened?
The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after a week of mounting pressure following a report into a prolific child abuser that accused the Church of England of a cover-up. Tim Wyatt takes us through the events that led to Justin Welby’s decision to step down
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News AnalysisWhat should we do about Russell Brand?
Russell Brand reportedly asked the evangelist J. John for help in examining his newfound Christian faith. But when a photo emerged of Brand standing alongside Christian leaders, it prompted a huge online backlash from those who feared that serious allegations regarding Brand’s treatment of women were being minimised. Can a Christian desire to welcome all, unintentionally give abusers a free pass?
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OpinionFrom Harrods to the Church, we must stand up to abusive leaders
The culture that allowed allegations of rape against Mohamed Al Fayed to go unchallenged for so long must change, says Susie Flashman Jarvis. And the Church must learn those same lessons, too
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OpinionA generation of young people have been let down - and not just by Mike Pilavachi
As the Scolding Report reveals institutional failings and warns of a culture of silence, Andrew Graystone says it’s time for church leaders to speak to those who have been hurt by Soul Survivor and its founder’s actions
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News Analysis‘Hiding in plain sight’ As the Mike Pilavachi report alleges abuse, here are the lessons to learn
Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi manipulated, controlled, and mistreated young people under his spiritual care, a new independent report has stated. Fiona Scolding’s report confirms the findings of previous investigations. It also contains many potential lessons for the wider Church, reports Heather Tomlinson
