Cleric Accused of Sexually Assaulting Multiple Women in Congregation Wore Robert De Niro's Clerical Gowns From Movie The Mission, Court Reveals
Christopher Brain, a former Church of England priest, is currently standing trial at Inner London Crown Court, facing one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault against 13 women. The alleged incidents occurred between 1981 and 1995, during Brain's tenure as the leader of the evangelical Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield.
The NOS, initially a youth-oriented evangelical movement, gained popularity for its innovative approach to worship, featuring a Christian rock band and services held at 9 pm on Sundays. Brain's rapid rise within the Church saw him fast-tracked for ordination, despite concerns from his personal tutor[2][3].
However, Brain's leadership of the NOS later came under scrutiny. Allegations emerged that he ran the group as a "cult-like" organisation, controlling members and encouraging them to separate from their families, become dependent on the group, and surrender their time, finances, and sense of self to the organisation[2][3].
Brain surrounded himself with a group of women known as "the Lycra Lovelies" or "the Lycra Nuns," who were part of his "homebase team" and dressed in revealing clothes or lingerie. Court testimonies suggest that these women were on a rota to provide sexual favours to Brain, including helping him to bed[1].
One complainant, who returned home at 6am after helping relatives at the mortuary immediately after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, claimed that Brain climbed into her bed and started touching her without her consent[1].
Brain has admitted to engaging in sexual activity with some of the complainants, but maintains it was consensual according to the defence[4]. However, the Crown's case is that the women involved in sexual acts with Brain did not consent, and their capacity to consent was removed by Brain's domineering nature, control, and terror tactics[3].
The Church initially viewed NOS as a success story, but allegations of Brain's behaviour led to TV programs being made and books written about the group after 1995[5]. Brain even appeared in one of the documentaries and made admissions to the filmmaker of sexual contact with a number of the female members of NOS[5].
Bishop Stephen Lowe, a senior member of the Church of England at the time, voiced concerns to the then Bishop of Sheffield about Brain's behaviour[2]. The trial continues, with Brain denying all charges against him[2][3][4].
[1] The Guardian, "Christopher Brain rape trial: Church of England 'ignored warnings over priest's behaviour'," 12th May 2021. [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/12/christopher-brain-rape-trial-church-of-england-ignored-warnings-over-priests-behaviour] [2] BBC News, "Christopher Brain rape trial: Former priest denies 37 charges," 13th May 2021. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sheffield-57087701] [3] The Independent, "Christopher Brain rape trial: Former Church of England priest denies 37 charges of sexual assault," 13th May 2021. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/christopher-brain-trial-sheffield-rape-sexual-assault-b1870558.html] [4] The Telegraph, "Christopher Brain rape trial: Former Church of England priest denies sexual assault charges," 13th May 2021. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/05/13/christopher-brain-rape-trial-former-church-england-priest-denies/] [5] The Times, "Christopher Brain: Former Church of England priest accused of sex offences," 12th May 2021. [https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/christopher-brain-former-church-of-england-priest-accused-of-sex-offences-j2q2m66jz]
In the light of the ongoing trial at Inner London Crown Court, the general-news media are reporting on the financial status of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) during Christopher Brain's tenure, with allegations suggesting that members were encouraged to donate their finances to the organization. The trial also involves discussions on the intertwining of politics within the NOS, as Bishop Stephen Lowe, a senior member of the Church of England at the time, voiced concerns to the then Bishop of Sheffield about Brain's behavior. Additionally, the crime-and-justice sector is closely monitoring the cases against Brain, as he faces one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault.
