His sin has found him out.
Christopher Brain, a former clergyman closely associated with the Church of England, finds himself entangled in a legal maelstrom of grave accusations. His upcoming appearance before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court revolves around charges of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault. These charges stem from distressing incidents involving at least 11 women spanning the years between 1981 and 1995. The impetus for this legal saga came from an exhaustive four-year investigation conducted by South Yorkshire Police, sparked by brave testimonies from former female members of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), a movement Brain founded in Sheffield during the 1980s.
The Nine O’Clock Service garnered notoriety for its unconventional approach to worship, characterized by a nightclub ambiance that drew a youthful crowd. Despite receiving initial endorsement from Anglican authorities and prominent church figures, including future Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, the movement eventually found itself embroiled in controversy. Its demise in the mid-1990s was precipitated by allegations of sexual impropriety and inappropriate conduct.
Brain, who also holds a position as a director at Pentameter, a management and design consultancy based in Manchester, now finds himself at the epicenter of these damning allegations. In the wake of the charges, former NOS members are contemplating legal recourse, with legal representation provided by solicitor Richard Scorer of Slater & Gordon. However, the intricacies of the case remain shrouded in secrecy due to the ongoing police inquiry.
While one woman involved in the investigation has been apprehended, she awaits formal charges as the inquiry unfolds. Concurrently, church authorities are engaged in a process of introspection, reevaluating their past oversight of the NOS congregation and extending support to the aggrieved parties navigating this turbulent ordeal. Described as both complex and exhaustive, the investigation has spanned numerous years, with law enforcement meticulously assembling evidence since the initial emergence of allegations.
In essence, Reverend Christopher Brain’s association with the Nine O’Clock Service has catalyzed a cascade of legal ramifications, with charges of rape and indecent assault being leveled against him following a protracted investigation. What was once lauded as a groundbreaking approach to worship has now been tarnished by accusations of sexual misconduct. As the wheels of justice turn, former members and institutional authorities alike grapple with the profound repercussions of these allegations, endeavoring to ensure a semblance of justice for the victims involved.