Former Members of Jesus Army Bring New Abuse Allegations to Light

About 60 former members of the Jesus Army, described as one of the most abusive cults in British history, have recently come forward with new allegations, according to Kathleen Hallisey, a solicitor representing the claimants. These allegations encompass a range of serious issues, including sexual and domestic abuse, as well as claims for unpaid work from women who served as “domestic sisters” within the organization.

At its height in the mid-2000s, the Jesus Army had several thousand members, many of whom surrendered their assets to the group’s leadership. Reports indicate that married women living in communal houses operated by the cult were required to work long hours without pay, leading some legal experts to characterize their treatment as akin to modern slavery. Furthermore, numerous claimants allege they reported instances of abuse to the Jesus Army’s leadership, who failed to take any action.

The current wave of allegations follows a July documentary titled *Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army* produced by the BBC and an article published by *The Guardian*. Hallisey is now preparing 24 civil claims against the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (JFCT), which is responsible for managing the group’s assets following its closure in 2019. Hallisey noted, “The number of new cases is way beyond what I expected in terms of more people coming forward.”

One former member, identified as **Sarah**, who appeared in the BBC documentary, lived in a Jesus Army communal house from the ages of 21 to 33. She is currently pursuing a claim for abuse. “Before, I felt a measure of guilt, a measure of loyalty, and indoctrination,” she stated. “But doing the programme, and working with Gilly [a cult counsellor who was also part of the documentary] really, really helped.”

Background on the Jesus Army

Founded in 1969 by Baptist pastor Noel Stanton in Northampton, the Jesus Army enforced strict regulations on its members, including the prohibition of Christmas celebrations, snacks, and cinema outings. It is estimated that the group possesses around £25 million in assets. The High Court has established a deadline of 11:59 PM on October 16, 2023, for individuals who believe they are entitled to a share of these assets to submit their claims. After this date, the JFCT will distribute the remaining funds, with the exception of a £2.85 million fund reserved for future expenses. Personal injury claims related to allegations of abuse may still be filed after the deadline.

Given the increased interest and media coverage surrounding the group, Hallisey has requested an extension of the claims deadline, which the trustees have yet to agree to. The Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association has expressed concern that the distribution of the Jesus Army’s remaining funds may benefit alleged perpetrators of abuse. The association stated, “We are deeply concerned that the £25 million currently held by the JFCT may be distributed solely among those who were members when the Jesus Fellowship closed down, including some individuals who were in positions of leadership and/or are alleged to have perpetrated or covered up abuse.”

The association has seen its membership grow by approximately 100 new members since July, highlighting the ongoing impact of the group’s legacy. The trust has stated that it cannot comment on the identities of potential beneficiaries due to confidentiality reasons.

Previous Compensation Efforts

The Jesus Army ceased operations about six years ago amid widespread allegations of abuse and a cover-up by its leaders. A redress scheme has previously compensated over 500 former members for sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. This scheme, managed by the trust, was open from September 2022 to December 2023 and identified 264 alleged perpetrators, of which 61% held leadership positions within the organization. Disturbingly, the scheme estimated that one in six children associated with the group had experienced sexual abuse.

As the situation develops, former members and their advocates continue to call for justice and accountability for the alleged abuses that took place within the Jesus Army. The upcoming deadline for claims poses a critical moment for those seeking recognition and redress for their experiences.