Radical 90s Christian ‘cult’ that collapsed after sex scandal under investigation as two arrested
Two people have been arrested in relation to an investigation into Christian group The Nine O’Clock Service and alleged sexual offences
An alternative Christian cult-like group founded in the 1980s, that featured bikini clad dancers and light shows, is now the centre of a police investigation following allegations of abuse dating back more than 25 years.
The Nine O’Clock Service was once seen as a successful experiment by the Church of England to reach a younger audience and was popular with former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey.
However police have now confirmed that two people have been arrested in connection with the conduct of the controversial congregation.
Set up in the late 1980s, ‘NOS’ featured rave-like services, with loud music, dancers, flashing lights and abstract film loops projected onto large screens.
At its height, it attracted up to 600 parishioners, but the NOS services were shut down in 1995 after allegations were made of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Last year The Times reported that former members of the group approached the Church of England and dozens were planning to come forward with claims of abuse and exploitation.
Former members of the Nine O’Clock Service, which ran in Sheffield in the 80s and 90s (pictured), are considering legal action against the Church over claims of sexual abuse
Right Rev Pete Wilcox (left), the current Bishop of Sheffield, previously urged victims of the scandal to come forward. Dr George Carey (right) the Archbishop of Canterbury elect, in 1990, met the founder of NOS in 1990 and gave him financial backing from the Church for his services
Now a South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman confirmed that: ‘A man and a woman, have been arrested on suspicion of sexual offences, alleged to have taken place in Sheffield between 1980 to 1995.
‘They have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.’
The Rt Rev Pete Wilcox, the current bishop of Sheffield, previously said: ‘We can confirm that a group of survivors of the appalling conduct at the Nine O’clock Service in the diocese of Sheffield, which originally surfaced in the 1990s, have contacted the Church of England.
‘Their concerns and harrowing testimonies are being taken very seriously, and there is of course a limit to what we can say while that process continues.
‘Support is being offered, and the Church is working closely with the statutory authorities.
Richard Scorer, specialist abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon, who represents some of the alleged victims, told The Times: ‘It is imperative that all allegations arising from the Nine O’Clock Service are thoroughly investigated. My clients are aware of the police investigation and are co-operating fully with it.’
