One in six children sexually abused in Jesus Army cult

A troubling report has emerged regarding the Jesus Army, a religious group that operated in the UK. It has been revealed that approximately one in six children associated with this group experienced sexual abuse. This shocking statistic highlights the serious issues that occurred within the Jesus Army, which was led by Noel Stanton until his death in 2009. Stanton was never held accountable for his actions, and the group disbanded in 2019 after numerous allegations of abuse came to light. The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust, which is now handling the aftermath of the group, has expressed deep regret for the harm caused to many individuals over the years. They have identified 539 alleged abusers, including 162 former leaders, and are working with local authorities to ensure that any necessary protective measures are taken. The trust has acknowledged that the number of victims may be even higher than reported, as 601 individuals have applied for compensation. They have paid out a total of £7. 7 million to those affected, but many victims are still waiting for justice. The trust has accepted responsibility for 264 of the alleged abusers, with a significant portion being former leaders of the group. Northamptonshire Police have been involved in two investigations into the Jesus Army and are currently reviewing the findings from the compensation scheme. They have stated that while no new offenses have been identified, they will continue to investigate any suspects that come to light. To date, around 12 former members of the Jesus Fellowship Church have been convicted of various offenses, including indecent assault. Kathleen Hallisey, a lawyer representing over 100 victims, has expressed her sadness at the number of potential abusers still unpunished. She has emphasized the need for better safeguarding measures to protect children and ensure that abuse is reported. Hallisey pointed out that the lack of mandatory reporting in the UK is concerning, as it allows potential abusers to slip through the cracks. One survivor, Philippa Barnes, shared her experience of growing up in the Jesus Army. She testified against an elder who was convicted of sexual assault, but faced backlash from the group for speaking out. Barnes described her journey as difficult and filled with heartache, as many victims have not received the recognition or justice they deserve. She highlighted the extreme conditions children faced, including being forced to adhere to strict schedules and being separated from their families. Barnes herself was subjected to stalking and abuse during her childhood. She received £22,000 in compensation but believes that more needs to be done to support victims. The Jesus Fellowship was founded in 1969 by Noel Stanton, who was known for his charismatic preaching and efforts to recruit young people. Members were often involved in outreach work, but many faced strict rules and limitations on their personal lives. The trust is currently working to resolve claims and provide further compensation to victims, but the process has been slow. Malcolm Johnson, a solicitor representing some of the victims, has urged the trust to expedite the resolution of claims, as many individuals are still waiting for the compensation they deserve. The trust has acknowledged that they failed to report abuse to authorities and discouraged victims from seeking help. They have expressed gratitude to those who have come forward to share their experiences, as it takes great courage to do so. The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust is planning to make additional payments to former members once it has been dissolved, but the timeline for this is uncertain due to potential civil claims. In 2020, an independent inquiry revealed that five senior leaders had colluded with sex offenders and mishandled complaints. The findings of this inquiry have raised further questions about the accountability of those in leadership positions within the Jesus Army.