He was the charismatic figure at the heart of one of Britain's most shocking religious scandals. Now, Chris Brain, the former leader of Sheffield's notorious Nine O'Clock Service cult, has been tracked down living a reclusive life after decades in hiding.
The Rise and Fall of a Religious Rebel
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Brain's Nine O'Clock Service revolutionised Christian worship in Sheffield. Blending rave culture with evangelical fervour, the movement attracted thousands of young followers with its innovative approach to religion.
The service featured:
- Strobe lighting and dance music in place of traditional hymns
- A sophisticated multimedia experience unusual for its time
- A dedicated following of young professionals and students
- Close ties with the Church of England establishment
The Dark Truth Behind the Music
Behind the contemporary worship style lay a disturbing reality. Brain created what investigators would later describe as a "classic cult environment" characterised by:
- Systematic emotional and sexual abuse of female members
- A strict hierarchy with Brain as the unquestioned leader
- Financial exploitation of followers
- Isolation of members from friends and family
The Scandal Erupts
The movement collapsed in 1995 when multiple women came forward with allegations of serious sexual misconduct against Brain. The subsequent investigation revealed a pattern of abuse that extended over several years, leading to:
- Brain's resignation and effective defrocking
- A major crisis for the Church of England
- Compensation payments to victims
- Lasting trauma for former members
The Disappearance
Following the scandal, Brain vanished from public view. Our investigation can now reveal he has been living under the radar, avoiding the media spotlight for nearly three decades while survivors continue to grapple with the aftermath of their experiences.
The Church of England continues to face questions about how Brain's activities were allowed to continue for so long despite warning signs, serving as a cautionary tale about religious innovation without adequate oversight.
