Faith
Church Faces Spiritual Abuse After Justice Served
Faith Facts
- Chris Brain, former leader of the Nine O’Clock Service, was convicted of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women.
- The case highlighted the dangers of spiritual abuse in religious communities, where coercion and control masquerade as spiritual authority.
- The Church of England defines spiritual abuse as a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behavior in a religious context.
Recent events have shed light on the importance of confronting abuses of power within the Church. Chris Brain’s conviction for indecent assault underscores the need for accountability and vigilance to protect congregants from harm.
The Nine O’Clock Service, previously a lively evangelical congregation, became a setting where women suffered both physical and spiritual abuse under Brain’s control.
Witnesses at trial described a culture of manipulation, isolation from families, financial exploitation, and psychological pressure mimicking spiritual authority.
“I thought if I questioned it, I wasn’t being a good Christian. I had been controlled – psychologically, spiritually, emotionally. You’re not allowed to question because he represented God.”
The Church of England’s safeguarding manual now addresses spiritual abuse, emphasizing the use of scripture and pastoral authority to justify or enable such behavior.
Bishop Pete Wilcox recognized the severity of these abuses, and an independent Safeguarding Practice Review aims to ensure future protection for all members of the faith community.
As believers, we must remain watchful against those who would misuse spiritual leadership, upholding biblical values of truth, justice, and genuine care for the vulnerable.
Stay informed and help foster a culture of accountability rooted in faith and freedom:
Faith Facts
- Christians in Jaranwala, Pakistan, concluded an unwavering 17-day sit-in demanding justice after August 2023 attacks.
- The peaceful demonstration marked the first time Pakistani Christians united in such lasting, public protest, with strong participation from women.
- Despite assurances from federal authorities, no convictions have followed attacks on over 25 churches and dozens of Christian homes.
After facing destruction of churches and homes, the Christian community in Jaranwala stood firm, ending their historic sit-in on September 2, 2025, only after government promises of action.
This landmark protest displayed courage and unity rooted in faith, as believers demanded accountability and respect for their dignity and rights.
“We were compelled to take the matters into our own hands because those who claim that they are advocating for us hold meetings in five-star hotels in Lahore and Faisalabad while remaining oblivious to the situation on the ground.”
Despite widespread condemnation, true justice remains elusive for Pakistan’s Christians, who continue to face danger from false blasphemy accusations and unchecked violence.
“The state should know that we will not rest until we get justice.”
Our brothers and sisters in Pakistan remind us to persevere in prayer and to champion religious liberty and Christian values wherever they are threatened.
Stand firm in faith, pray for persecuted believers, and speak out for justice according to God’s truth.
Faith Facts
- Church leaders emphasize biblical hospitality and compassion toward asylum seekers.
- Scripture commands believers to treat the stranger with love and fairness, reflecting God’s care for us.
- Protests against hostility send a message of Christlike welcome rather than fear and rejection.
Across the UK, faithful leaders are urging Christians to respond to those seeking refuge with the heart of Christ instead of fear or anger.
“When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the stranger…the stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
The words of Scripture remind us that compassion for the outsider is a central Christian calling, and Christ himself identified with those seeking safety.
Demonstrating Christlike love in public, even amid disagreement, shows that our nation’s best values are rooted in faith, not driven by fear. Christian witness can inspire hope and remind our communities that the teachings of Jesus on loving our neighbor are as relevant today as ever.
Let us stand firm in our biblical convictions, advocating for both the vulnerable and the truth, so our society may better reflect the love and mercy of Christ.
Faith Facts
- Christian churches in China historically addressed physical hardship and spiritual needs, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Personal testimonies reveal that faith in Jesus offered hope, healing, and deliverance from suffering and spiritual attacks.
- Modern, urban believers often seek meaning and connection, suggesting the church must adapt to address new spiritual questions.
For decades, traditional Chinese churches have served those facing poverty and hardship, providing communal support and Christ-centered guidance.
Powerful stories, like a woman finding healing after accepting Christ and a young daughter protected from evil spirits, illustrate God’s grace at work for those seeking hope.
“After believing in Jesus, the bad tooth eventually fell out, and the pain stopped. She believed it was God’s grace.”
As China’s society advances, young generations are searching for deeper meaning and belonging, even as their material needs are met.
Many find themselves longing for answers to life’s purpose, exploring different faith communities, and wrestling with emptiness despite outward success.
“He excelled in academics but did not understand the meaning of studying or life itself.”
While the gospel’s timeless truth remains, Chinese Christians face a society where the nature of hardship changes—from physical deprivation to spiritual and existential questions.
New pastoral approaches and church life rooted in Biblical truth, but addressing today’s challenges, are essential to reach urban communities hungry for hope and purpose.
As believers, we are called to lift up the suffering, to offer fellowship, and to proclaim Christ’s love in ways that resonate with both traditional and modern needs.
Let faith, courage, and compassion guide our witness in every season of change. Stay connected and stand with the global Body of Christ in prayer and action.
-
Self-Reliance5 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News6 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith5 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family6 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News5 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom6 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family3 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith4 months agoMassive California Baptism Bash Shatters Records, Ignites Thousands!