Former Sheffield priest convicted of raping and assaulting churchgoers
Chris Brain, a 69-year-old priest, has been convicted of rape and sexual assault against congregation members at the Nine O'Clock Service in Sheffield. He exploited his religious authority to sexually abuse vulnerable women over several decades. The case exposes how cult-like control within religious institutions can enable widespread predatory behaviour.
Brain was found guilty of one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault relating to three women who attended services in the 1980s and 1990s. This follows prior convictions on 17 counts of indecent assault involving nine women. The Nine O'Clock Service was initially celebrated by the Church of England as a progressive success, featuring high-energy services with live bands and strobe lighting that attracted young people. Prosecutors established that Brain deliberately created a closed environment where he controlled members' finances, isolated them from families and friends, and used fear of ostracisation to sexually exploit them.
- Priest convicted of rape and sexual assault of congregation members
- Nine O'Clock Service operated with cult-like psychological control and isolation
- Sentencing pending; prior convictions involved 17 counts of indecent assault
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The Nine O'Clock Service was a church initiative in Sheffield that became well known for its modern approach to Christian worship. Starting in the 1980s, it attracted many young people through lively services featuring live bands and contemporary music, and the Church of England initially celebrated it as an innovative success.
Chris Brain was the founder and spiritual leader of the Nine O'Clock Service. Over decades, he sexually abused multiple women who attended, exploiting the trust and authority his position gave him.
Brain created an environment where members were isolated from their families and friends, with their finances under his control, and they feared being cast out from the community. This structure allowed the abuse to continue whilst his victims felt unable to escape or report what was happening.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Disgraced priest who led ‘cult’ Nine O’Clock Services convicted of rape and sexually assaulting young women who attended his church”.