Published on: 21/08/2025
The Inner London Crown Court has returned verdicts finding Chris Brain guilty of 17 charges and not guilty of 15 others. The jury could make no further finding on a further four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. All of the charges related to former members of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, with the incidents taking place between 1981 and 1995.
As Bishop of Sheffield, I want to speak directly to the survivors, their families and friends, and to everyone affected by these events. I am deeply sorry for the harm you have suffered. I recognise that a mixed verdict can be profoundly painful: for some it may bring a measure of justice and relief, and for others it will feel incomplete, confusing, or retraumatising. Those reactions are understandable and I am truly sorry for the continued hurt this brings.
What happened was an appalling abuse of power and leadership that should never have occurred. Where concerns were raised in the past and were not acted upon properly, that was a failing of the Church. For those institutional failures I offer an unreserved apology.
We are committed to supporting those affected. The Diocese will continue to cooperate fully with the police and any other authorities. Our diocesan safeguarding team is available to listen, to provide practical support and to signpost to independent counselling and specialist services. Anyone who needs help or who has information to share is invited to contact the Diocese of Sheffield Safeguarding Team at nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org or visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/safeguarding. Alternatively, you may prefer to access the independent support set out here: sheffdio.org/NOSsupport.
As part of our ongoing learning, I will commission an independent Safeguarding Practice Review (SPR). The detail and scope of this will be decided in the Autumn, but will examine our safeguarding responses, culture, and processes so that we can identify where lessons can be learned and strengthen best practice for the future.
Words will never undo the harm that has been caused. We will, however, continue to work to ensure the Church is a safe place for everyone – where concerns are taken seriously, where survivors are believed and supported, and where accountability and compassion guide our actions.
My prayers remain with the survivors, their families, and all who have been affected by these events.