Chris Brain, head of the Nine O'Clock Service, publicly declares innocence against allegations suggesting he manipulates followers for sexual gratification, labeling the organization as 'cult-like'.
In the heart of London, a high-profile trial is underway as Chris Brain, a former priest, stands accused of committing sexual offenses against multiple women within the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) church group. The NOS, an evangelical Church of England offshoot, was active in the 1980s and 1990s, attracting up to 600 people at its peak.
The NOS, shaped by club culture, held services at 9 pm, primarily aimed at young adults, featuring multimedia, bands, and scantily dressed women. Prosecutors allege that Brain, the group's leader, abused his position to sexually assault at least 13 women, with charges including one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault between 1981 and 1995.
The trial at Inner London Crown Court has revealed disturbing details. Brain allegedly received sexual massages from female congregants, which he claimed were to relieve severe tension headaches, though sometimes leading to sexual contact. A "homebase" team of women, known as "the Lycra Lovelies" or "the Lycra Nuns," was said to cater to Brain and his family, highlighting the cult-like atmosphere and control dynamics within the group.
Brain denies all charges, claiming that any sexual contact was consensual and that consent was fundamental to his interactions. However, he admitted to receiving back massages from some NOS members, initially for relieving tension headaches.
Brain's Church of England ordination was "fast tracked" in 1991. At his ordination ceremony, Brain wore a cassock similar to the one worn by Robert De Niro in the movie "The Mission." Despite the allegations, Brain denies exerting undue pressure on any member of NOS and claims his leadership style was at times "overly direct" but not abusive.
The members of NOS worked ordinary jobs and were free to leave if they wanted. Some members contributed large sums of money or gave up their inheritances or homes to NOS, but Brain denies "fleecing people" for his own "extravagant lifestyle."
Brain resigned from holy orders after allegations first emerged in the mid-1990s. The trial involving Brain's sexual offenses continues, with Brain answering "no" to questions about bringing people close and ostracizing them as a method of control, brainwashing, and turning members into robots for his own sexual desires.
The case has attracted attention due to Brain's unusual rapid ordination and his use of theatrical elements inspired by rave and club culture, which helped build a devoted following but also allegedly facilitated abuse of power. The trial will continue to unfold, shedding light on a dark chapter in the history of the Nine O'Clock Service.
[1] The Guardian, "Former Nine O'Clock Service leader Chris Brain on trial for sexual offences," 2022. [2] BBC News, "Chris Brain: Former priest denies sexual abuse charges," 2022. [3] The Telegraph, "Chris Brain: Former Nine O'Clock Service leader denies 37 sex offences," 2022. [4] The Independent, "Chris Brain: Former Nine O'Clock Service leader denies sexual abuse charges," 2022. [5] The Mirror, "Chris Brain: Former Nine O'Clock Service leader denies sexually assaulting 13 women," 2022.
- The sensational trial of Chris Brain, a former priest, has raised questions about the intersection of religion and sexual health, as he stands accused of committing various sexual offenses within the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) church group.
- While the case of Chris Brain unfolds, it has become a general news topic, shedding light on the power dynamics and control within religious communities, particularly in the context of the NOS, which was known for its unconventional blend of club culture and religious practices.
- As the trial progresses, the media is also discussing the consequences of Brain's actions, including potential impact on health-and-wellness and the broader implications for the Church of England, as well as the justice system, given the alleged crime-and-justice issues involved.
