Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield on the re-trial of Chris Brain
“It was announced on Thursday 4 September that a re-trial of Chris Brain is to take place in September next year, after the jury of this year’s trial was unable to reach a verdict on four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. Brain was found guilty of 17 charges and not guilty of 15 others at the Inner London Crown Court, with all of the charges relating to former members of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, with the incidents taking place between 1981 and 1995.
“While I welcome the further opportunity for justice and clarity on the remaining charges, I recognise just how difficult this prolonged uncertainty will be for survivors. It is my hope that the following year will allow for the trial to be conducted smoothly, but it will be a profoundly difficult wait for many. The recent verdict on 32 charges will already, understandably, have caused a mixture of relief and distress.
“As Bishop of Sheffield, I want to reiterate once more how deeply sorry I am for all of the harm suffered by the survivors in this case. As I have said previously, there was an appalling abuse of power in the leadership at the Nine O’Clock service and the concerns raised at the time were not acted upon properly. For the failures of the church in relation to this case, I sincerely apologise.
“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 I have already made clear, as part of our ongoing learning, I will be commissioning 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.”
Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield following the trial of Chris Brain
“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 on this webpage.
“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.”
Independent Support Services
Thirtyone:eight has been commissioned to provide two independent support services before, during, and after the trial. They will only share information as needed for safeguarding and risk management. Limited data, such as call volumes, may be shared with the Diocese for cost tracking or if the caller requests it to improve safeguarding practices. The services available are:
Specialist Helpline
The helpline team will be available to offer a supportive and listening ear to those affected by abuse. The helpline will provide a safe space for individuals to share some of their concerns and be signposted to appropriate third-party support. The team is comprised of experienced safeguarding professionals.
Listening Service
An opportunity for individuals to seek more in-depth support. This will be provided through an initial block of four one-hour sessions with further opportunity to offer support to survivors when attending court as a witness. The criteria for accessing this service is as follows:
- Those who are direct victims of abuse of incidents at the Nine O’Clock Service.
- Awaiting attendance at court to give evidence as a witness during the trial in 2025.
- Those involved with supporting a direct victim of abuse (either connected through family or from within the Nine O’Clock service/St Thomas Church, Crookes).
Both the Specialist Helpline and Listening Service can be accessed via thirty:one eight’s helpline 0303 003 1111 (or +44 1322 517817 internationally) quoting Nine O’clock Service Support, via e-mail to helpline@thirtyoneeight.org (for the helpline) or listeningservice@thirtyoneeight.org (for the listening service) quoting Nine O’clock service. You can also be referred by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safe Spaces
A free and confidential independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in a church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England. The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in England or Wales. Safe Spaces can help with advocating with authorities and other agencies, providing emotional support, understanding your needs and working on individual support plans.
Remote support is provided nationally through a helpline on 0300 303 1056. You can also email safespaces@firstlight.org.uk, or use the webchat service on the website safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Diocesan Support Services
Spiritual Support
The Diocese of Sheffield has a number of members of clergy who are available to provide spiritual support during the time of the trial. These individuals are available to discuss issues of faith, the impact of this situation upon your faith, to offer prayer or other spiritual support. They are not trained counsellors.
This support is available between the hours of 8am and 9pm. You will be linked up with a member of the support team.
To access this service, call (01709) 968107.
Additional Support Options
Further Victim and Survivor Support can Be Found on Our Dedicated Webpage.
You may also find the Church of England’s guidance Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Church Based Abuse helpful at the bottom of this page.
If you would like support to access any of the services highlighted or would like to discuss any concerns with the Diocese please contact the safeguarding team. We have three safeguarding advisors who will ensure your need for support is communicated with the appropriate service. To speak to one of our advisors email: nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org
Media statements
