Former priest on trial for sexual assault of cult church members

A former priest, Christopher Brain, aged 68, has been accused of sexually abusing a significant number of female members within an alleged cult church group he led. The court heard that Brain exerted extensive control over the women’s lives, ostracizing them from their friends and family and creating a cult-like environment. The trial, held at Inner London Crown Court, revealed that Brain is facing one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault involving 13 women between 1981 and 1995. He denies these charges. Prosecutor Tim Clark KC described how Brain, who was the leader of the evangelical movement the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) linked to the Church of England, used his position to sexually assault women, many of whom were manipulated into dependence and silence. Evidence presented in court suggested Brain’s ordination was fast-tracked amidst concerns about his conduct, and large sums of money were reportedly spent on costumes for his ordination ceremony, indicating possible grandiosity. The court also heard that Brain’s control extended to a “homebase team” referred to as “the Lycra Nuns,” and that he was often surrounded by attractive women dressed in revealing clothing while employed to care for him. The prosecutor stated that the women involved did not consent to the sexual acts due to Brain’s domineering nature, control over their lives, and fear of ostracism, framing it as coercive and non-consensual. Brain acknowledges engaging in sexual activity with some women but claims it was consensual. The trial continues, and Brain denies the 37 charges he faces.