Former Priest Found Guilty of Sexual Offences After Decades of Allegations

The conviction of former Church of England priest Chris Brain has brought renewed attention to one of the most troubling chapters in the history of the church in Sheffield. 

Brain, who led the controversial Nine O’Clock Service during the 1980s and 1990s, has now been found guilty of rape and four counts of indecent assault involving women who were members of his congregation. The latest verdicts follow an earlier trial in which Brain was convicted of 17 indecent assaults against nine women. 

The Nine O’Clock Service, commonly known as ‘NOS’, initially attracted hundreds of young people through its unconventional approach to worship. Held at St Thomas’s Church in Sheffield, its services combined religious worship with elements of nightclub culture, live music and rave-style performances. What began as an innovative form of Christian worship later became the centre of serious allegations concerning Brain’s conduct and influence over members.

During the trials, prosecutors described an environment in which some members became increasingly isolated from their families and friends. Some women were part of a group known as the “homebase team”, which provided extensive personal support to Brain and, according to evidence presented in court, included inappropriate and sexualised behaviour.

Brain accepted that he had sexual relationships or contact with some women but maintained that these encounters were consensual. The court, however, convicted him of the latest offences following a further trial.

The case has also raised difficult questions about institutional responsibility. Concerns about Brain’s behaviour had reportedly been raised with the Diocese of Sheffield before he eventually left the priesthood in 1995. 

Following Brain’s earlier conviction in August 2025, the Bishop of Sheffield apologised for what he described as institutional failures and announced an independent safeguarding investigation.

For the women involved, the verdicts represent the culmination of an extraordinarily long wait for justice. Some have spoken publicly about the emotional impact of giving evidence decades after the alleged abuse occurred.

The case demonstrates how power and trust within religious organisations can create serious vulnerabilities when safeguards fail. It also highlights the importance of listening to concerns, protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that allegations of abuse are properly investigated, regardless of how much time has passed.

Brain remains in custody and is due to be sentenced at a later date. The sentencing hearing is expected to give victims an opportunity to formally describe the impact of the offences on their lives.