Sheffield bishop apologizes to victims after former priest was found guilty of indecent assault

Editor’s note: Chris Brain, 68, was head of the Nine O’Clock Service, an influential evangelical movement based in Sheffield in the 1980s and 1990s. He resigned as a Church of England priest in November 1995, just before a BBC documentary about the sexual abuse allegations against him was broadcast.

[Church of England] Following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court, Chris Brain has been found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault and not guilty of a further 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.

In response to the verdicts, Sheffield Bishop Pete Wilcox said the charges against Brain related to former members of the Nine O’Clock Service, with incidents taking place between 1981 and 1995.

He added, “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 recognize 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. Our diocesan safeguarding team is available to listen, to provide practical support and to signpost to independent counselling and specialist services. Anyone who needs help or who has information to share is invited to contact the Diocese of Sheffield Safeguarding Team online. Alternatively, you may prefer to access the independent support set out online here.

“As part of our ongoing learning, I will commission an independent Safeguarding Practice Review. The detail and scope of this will be decided in the autumn but will examine our safeguarding responses, culture and processes so that we can identify where lessons can be learned and strengthen best practice for the future.

“Words will never undo the harm that has been caused. We will, however, continue to work to ensure the church is a safe place for everyone — where concerns are taken seriously, where survivors are believed and supported, and where accountability and compassion guide our actions.

“My prayers remain with the survivors, their families, and all who have been affected by these events.”

In addition, Lead Safeguarding Bishop Joanne Grenfell and  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. We commend and support the statement from the Bishop of Sheffield.”