Sheffield Cult Priest Denies Sexual Abuse Charges

Christopher Brain, 68, former Church of England priest and leader of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, is on trial for one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault against 13 women, alleged to have occurred between 1981 and 1995. Prosecutors claim Brain transformed the NOS from a celebrated, youth-oriented church into a closed cult where he exerted dominating control, isolating members from loved ones and making them dependent on his approval. Brain allegedly surrounded himself with a group of young women, dubbed the 'Lycra Nuns' or 'Lycra Lovelies', who wore revealing clothing and were expected to perform sexual favors. Some members reportedly gave up inheritances and homes, fearing ostracization if they did not comply with Brain's demands. The Church of England allegedly fast-tracked Brain’s ordination and initially hailed NOS as a success before concerns about his manipulative leadership emerged. Brain denies all charges, claiming sexual activity was consensual, but prosecutors argue his coercive control undermined the victims' ability to consent.