A former Church of England priest convicted last month of abusing members of a “cult-like” church group will face a second trial next year. Chris Brain, 68, had been the leader of the Nine O’Clock Service in Sheffield, an evangelical worshipping community within the Church of England, and stands accused of further sexual assault charges after already having faced prior convictions relating to abuse of group members.
On 4 Sept 2025 Tim Clark KC told the Inner London Crown Court the Crown Prosecution Service was seeking a retrial on five charges which the jury could not agree on a verdict.. The second trial is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2026 and iss expected to last about four weeks.
Following a lengthy trial, Brain was found guilty on 15 August 2025 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.
The Lead Safeguarding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Joanne Grenfell, and the National Safeguarding Director, Alexander Kubeyinje, released a statement after the verdict was handed down, saying:
“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, below.”
The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt. Rev. Pete Wilcox, released a statement after the August verdict apologizing for the church’s failures.
“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 recognise 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 at safeguarding@sheffield.anglican.org or visit: sheffield.anglican.org/safeguarding. Alternatively, you may prefer to access the independent support set out here: sheffdio.org/nossupport.
“As part of our ongoing learning, I will commission an independent Safeguarding Practice Review (SPR). 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.”