Church accused of abuse included on a ‘peace walk’

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God Temple
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God Temple

The Church of England has apologised for including a church accused of abuse on an interfaith “peace walk” route.

The Diocese of Southwark said it deeply regrets the distress caused when the annual walk in Lewisham stopped at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in Catford.

UCKG is an evangelical, Pentecostal church started in Brazil. Its founder has been included on Forbes’ billionaire list and has been known to travel in the church’s private jets.

The church faces allegations of abuse, with former members recalling feeling pressured to give money and being told demons caused mental health issues.

An investigation by The Guardian and a BBC Panorama documentary last year exposed alleged safeguarding failures that prompted the Charity Commission to open an ongoing regulatory compliance investigation.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Southwark, which is responsible for more than 100 Anglican churches in south London and east Surrey, told The Guardian it “deeply regrets” the distress caused to “those who’ve experienced abuse in UCKG congregations”.

UCKG said it was surprised and “disappointed” that the diocese had issued an apology.

A spokesman for the church said: “Having considered the statement, we are disappointed with its content and the fact no one has had the courtesy of contacting us regarding the damaging allegations before making what seems a statement of fact about these in the published text.

“We will be addressing this matter directly with the Diocese of Southwark.”

‘We deserve answers’

Rachael Reign, the director of Surviving Universal UK, a support group for ex-members, said the inclusion of the UCKG on the walk had caused “considerable upset, distress and confusion”.

She added that “serious questions” had been raised over the safeguarding practices of the organisations involved in the walk.

The walk for peace invites people from different faiths to come together as a community and venture along a route visiting various places of worship.

Ms Reign said the church’s apology “validates UCKG survivors and acknowledges that they have experienced abuse”, adding: “I hope the statement encourages other authorities to reconsider their support of the UCKG.”

However, Ms Reign was underwhelmed by the general response from the organisers of the peace walk in Lewisham.

“I found Lewisham’s response on the matter to be incredibly insulting,” she told The Telegraph, adding: “Our stance, as survivors of the UCKG, including those who were affected by the UCKG in Catford, is that this is simply too little, too late.

“We want accountability. We want Lewisham council to be transparent about how, despite the very public backlash the UCKG has been receiving, they continued to show support. We deserve answers and we deserve them now.”

The Diocese of Southwark said it was “hugely grateful to Rachael” and other survivors for their “courage to step forward and share their stories”.

A Lewisham council spokesman said it was “not aware of any allegations” made against UCKG in Catford, adding: “We have reached out to survivors’ groups with an offer to meet them. We would encourage them and anyone else in Lewisham impacted to approach the council directly.”

A Charity Commission spokesman said: “We have an ongoing regulatory compliance case into the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God regarding potential safeguarding concerns and are engaging with the charity’s trustees.”