A Church of England priest is on trial for rape and indecent assault, accused of abusing women in his congregation after establishing a group known as the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield. Chris Brain, 69, faces a retrial on five offenses after jurors could not reach a decision in 2025.
Prosecutor Tim Clark KC told the Inner London Crown Court that NOS presented itself as a progressive organization but, in reality, became a closed and controlled group dominated by Brain. Clark stated that Brain, who became an ordained priest, used his position to sexually assault numerous women from his congregation between 1983 and 1995. The Church of England initially viewed NOS as a success, with its high-energy, visually striking services appealing to young people, many of whom were scantily clad.
Brain is accused of raping one congregant in the mid-1980s and sexually assaulting three others, including by touching their breasts. Witnesses reported being encouraged to become estranged from family and others outside NOS. The prosecutor argued that any capacity the complainants had to consent was removed by Brain's domineering nature and control over their lives, coupled with their fear of ostracization.
Some women described being groomed by Brain, stating that no one was able to stand up to him. One complainant called him a "man of God" whom she was terrified to question. Brain denies rape and four counts of indecent assault, alleging that any sexual activity was consensual.
At his ordination in 1991, significant funds were reportedly spent on robes for Brain that had been worn by actor Robert De Niro in the 1986 film The Mission. In the 1990s, Brain was confronted by church members who believed he had abused up to 40 women; he allegedly responded, "I thought it was more."
Brain, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, denies all charges. None of the complainants can be identified. The trial is ongoing.