Register Interest in Further Phases of Closure

This is an update regarding phase 3 (Historic Items) and phase 4 (Apportionment) of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (JFCT) Closure.

New information on these phases of closure and how to register your interest can now be found here: https://jesus.org.uk/about-jfct/register-interest-for-closure-phases/

To be considered for any potential payments relating to phase 3 and/or phase 4 of the JFCT closure (not including Redress), you must register your interest and provide related information ahead of the deadline of 31st December 2023.

Note to Editors
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust.

Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme Update Report

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme (the Redress Scheme) is available to those who have suffered harm, abuse and/or adverse experiences within the Jesus Fellowship community. It also provides a clear process for employment, pension, national insurance and retirement claims.

This report is an update on the Redress Scheme as at 31 May 2023. All figures presented in the report are calculated as at this date.

Please be advised that this update  may contain information which members and previous members of the Jesus Fellowship Church may find distressing.

We understand that applying for redress is a difficult process and we are grateful to all those who have come forward and submitted applications to the Redress Scheme so far.

The Redress Scheme opened on 26 September 2022 and will continue to accept new applications submitted online or received by post until 31 December 2023.

We encourage all those who wish to apply to the Individual Redress Payment Scheme to engage a solicitor for support. Please note that putting together an application with a solicitor can take time and applicants will need to be mindful of this when considering the Redress Scheme application deadline.

Note to Editors
Since December 2020, the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New Trustees were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust.

New Redress Scheme Support

Following a review of the support available to help people when applying for Redress, we have made a number of changes and improvements. We hope that these will enhance our support for applicants and those who are interested in applying for Redress.

New Email Support

In addition to using our Support form, you can now email support requests to [email protected]

You will also be able to reply directly to support answers, providing an easier way to communicate with the Redress Scheme support team.

Please note: If your email relates to a submitted application please provide your reference number in your email plus you will be asked to answer a security question form before a response can be provided. This is to protect applications from the risk of fraud.

Video Calls

If required, you will be offered a Zoom video call to help answer your support question. Video calls are also available for those who are unable to obtain Certified ID due to cost or additional support needs.

All video calls will be with Jesus Fellowship Redress team administrators who have not been involved previously with the Jesus Fellowship Church.

Community Adverse Experience Guide and Video

We have created a new Community Adverse Experience Scheme video, along with a new guide, which outlines some of the frequently asked questions. This guide covers how to apply, who sees an application and who can apply.

You can find the video by following this link https://jesus.org.uk/apply/community-adverse-experience/

The new FAQ guide can be found following this link https://jesus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Community-Adverse-Experience-FAQs.pdf

Community Adverse Experience Status Emails

We are improving the application status update emails, which all applicants will receive every four weeks, to provide clearer assurance that their application is in progress.

Clarity on Application Outcomes

All applicants to the Community Adverse Experience Scheme will receive one outcome letter once their entire application has been processed.

Please note: Applications including a Capital Refund request take longer to process than applications with only a Support Grant request, as applicants receive a copy of their Capital as per the Trust records and then given an opportunity to provide further information.

Note to Editors
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust.

Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme Launch

This is an update from the Trustees of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust.

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme is open for applications between 26^th September 2022 and  31^st December 2023.

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme offers fair redress to those who have suffered harm, abuse and/or adverse experiences within the Jesus Fellowship community. It also provides a clear process for employment, pension, national insurance and retirement claims.

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme has been specifically designed to give survivors and applicants an effective means for swift and compassionate settlement, without having to go through the courts. It ensures the compensation available goes to survivors and applicants, rather than being eroded by legal fees. It also means no survivor or applicant, who claims through the Scheme, will have to re-state their experience in court.

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme is being delivered in conjunction with our solicitors, Clyde & Co. All claims will be reviewed by them, and outcomes decided in conjunction with the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust Trustees overseeing the closure of the Trust.

Please visit https://www.jesus.org.uk for information on what is covered by the Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme, who can apply, how to apply, and the types of redress available.

Please note that the website covers subjects which people may find distressing. You can find help and support with your application by visiting https://www.jesus.org.uk/support

The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust will report on the progress and outcomes of the Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme, with updates published on the website.

The Scheme is part of Phase 2 of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust closure process.

Information regarding requests relating to future phases of closure, and that are not covered by the Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme, including the inclusion of former Trust members in the apportionment of any residual Trust funds, can be found here: https://www.jesus.org.uk/phases-of-closure

Published 26th September 2022

Note to Editors
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust.

Jesus Fellowship Burial Ground

The Jesus Fellowship Burial Ground, at Cornhill in Northamptonshire, is currently owned, managed and upkept by ‘JFC’. JFC is a separate entity to the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust.

Any enquiries regarding the Burial Ground can be addressed to JFC at [email protected]

Future ownership of the Burial Ground is being explored by JFC, who will communicate ongoing arrangements in due course.

Access to Cornhill

The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust currently own the adjacent Cornhill Manor, including car parking for the Burial Ground.

Visitors for the Burial Ground are able to access car parking on any day between the hours of 10.00 and 20:00.

There is a gate to the entrance of the car parking. If this gate is locked, then please call the number on the gate for the access code.

Please note that Cornhill Manor itself is not open to visitors.

Published 14th July 2022

Note to Editors
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New Trustees and a CEO were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust

GDPR Notice

This update is from the Trustees of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (‘JFCT’) in relation to the Redress Scheme being established by the JFCT.

Following our previous update on 12^th November 2021, the Trustees remain committed to launching a Redress Scheme as part of the formal closure process of the JFCT. The Redress Scheme is in its final stages of setup following the conclusion of legal and member consultation.

We aim for our next update to be the launch of the Redress Scheme. If you would like to be contacted at the time of launch, please register your interest here.

GDPR Notice

Please be informed that personal data of members and former members of the Jesus Fellowship, as held by the JFCT, may be used by the JFCT pursuant to GDPR Article 9(2)(f) for the purpose of processing Redress Scheme applications and establishing whether individual applicants have a right to redress

More information about your personal data can be found here: https://jesus.org.uk/members-privacy-policy/

Note to Editors

Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New Trustees and a CEO were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust

Closure Statement

This update is from the Trustees of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (‘JFCT’) in relation to the Redress Scheme being established by the JFCT.

The JFCT Trustees have produced a statement providing information concerning allegations of abuse in the Jesus Fellowship Church.

The statement also sets out details of the proposed Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme that is part of the formal closure process. It can be viewed here.

Published 12th November 2021

Note to Editors:
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees and a CEO were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust

Report into Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings (IICSA)

The Trustees of the JFCT wish to reiterate their unreserved apology to everyone who suffered abuse whilst being a part of the Jesus Fellowship Church, or in connection with the activities of the Church.

We are deeply sorry for what happened to them, and acknowledge the pain many of the survivors continue to feel as a result of the abuse. A formal redress scheme is being launched shortly, and the JFCT remains committed to helping all of those affected.

We recognise the important work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and wholeheartedly support its vital aims and objectives. We would like to thank the survivors of abuse connected with the Jesus Fellowship who have come forward and engaged with the Inquiry.

We also confirm that we are reviewing the Report in detail and that we will give full consideration to its recommendations.

Published 2nd September 2021

Note to Editors:
Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees and a CEO were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust

CMP Resolutions Report, Apology and a New Approach

Background

The Trustees of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (‘JFCT’) had intended to publicly release a summary of the findings of an investigation into alleged cover up and collusion by leaders in the Jesus Fellowship Church. This investigation was in relation to incidents of non-recent abuse.

For many months the Trustees have worked to release the findings. Regrettably, it has not been possible to resolve the issues involved. Accordingly, JFCT is now unable to fulfil its previously stated intention.

This statement explains why, and indicates the measures that will be taken instead to create a faithful public record of the past and provide validation for those who have suffered harm because of the Church.

History of the Investigation

In 2017, the then National Leadership Team (‘NLT’) of the Jesus Fellowship Church commissioned an investigation into the handling of non-recent abuse allegations.

The investigation was carried out, under written conditions of confidentiality accepted by all participants, by CMP Resolutions (‘CMP’). It was led by Vicki Lawson-Brown, an expert investigator with considerable experience in safeguarding matters.

The NLT intended to receive the findings of the investigation when it was complete, and then conduct employment-style disciplinary interviews. In the light of the findings, they would hear what was said in reply and then determine what action would be appropriate, based upon all the information available. After that, the NLT would publicize the findings of the investigation and the NLT’s subsequent actions.

Process of Investigation

Vicki Lawson-Brown interviewed all the complainants and witnesses who were willing to participate in the investigation. She returned her findings to the NLT in September 2018. It had taken the best part of 12 months to complete the investigation.

She prepared three documents:
(i) a full report into the investigation;
(ii) individual reports for the relevant people;
(iii) a summary for all participants (‘Participant Summary’).

When CMP released their findings to the NLT, the NLT gave the full report to Northamptonshire Police through the medium of the regular joint meetings that had been established between the safeguarding agencies and the Church’s own central safeguarding personnel.

Police Investigation

Once the Police had obtained the CMP material, it was embargoed by the Police so that they could conduct their own enquiries. The NLT could not take the planned internal processes any further lest they imperilled the Police investigations. Throughout this time, no information about CMP’s findings could be released.

This position continued until early 2020, when the Police indicated that they had completed their enquiries.

The Church Closes

In the meantime, however, the members of the Church had voted (May 2019) to dissolve the Church. The NLT resigned following that vote and the JFCT Trustees ultimately inherited the unfinished business of the investigation (which the JFCT had financed).

Renewed Efforts to Publish

In early 2020, once the Police had finished their investigations, the JFCT Trustees were able to act. Despite the intervening measures being taken to dissolve the Church, they wanted to publicize the results of the investigation as had been originally intended.

Given the vote to dissolve the Church and the cessation of leadership roles in the Church, the Trustees of JFCT decided that there was nothing to be gained by conducting employment-style disciplinary interviews, although the Trustees recognised that this would deprive those concerned of the opportunity to respond in detail to the findings, as had originally been envisaged. However, each person would still receive their individual report so that they could understand the findings and prepare whatever form of response they considered appropriate, in the light of the changed circumstances.

The decision was made to release the Participant Summary to all the participants and then to make the findings publicly available. In the light of legal advice, it was recognised that the Participant Summary itself could not be published as it stood, because it contained the personal data of identifiable individuals. A version of the summary, edited so as to be compliant with data protection law, would need to be produced for the purpose of publication.
The Participant Summary and the individual reports were sent out, under conditions of confidentiality, in June 2020.

Leak

In breach of those conditions of confidentiality, the Participant Summary was leaked by a recipient to the BBC. This resulted in significant publicity in August 2020. In accordance with its legal obligations, JFCT reported the data breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office (‘ICO’). The ICO soon concluded that there was not enough evidence at that stage of the source of the leak to bring criminal charges in relation to the data breach. ICO confirmed that JFCT had taken all appropriate steps to deal with it.

Legal Advice

During this period, considerable efforts were made to produce a version of the summary that could be published without breaking data protection law, which – if it happened – would potentially expose JFCT to claims.

CMP assisted in producing the text of a revised draft for publication. However, it still contained personally identifiable data. Accordingly, the Trustees of JFCT were advised by their lawyers that that summary of the investigation’s findings could not be made public without specific consent from all those who remained identifiable in, or from, the summary. A number of these people have withheld their consent entirely.

Trustees View of the CMP Report

The Trustees take the view that public release of the findings would be the right thing to do. That was what the NLT intended from the outset. However:

• the summary that has been drafted still contains references to identifiable persons, which CMP are unwilling to remove but which would expose JFCT to possible claims if that summary was published;
• a number of those identifiable from it are not willing to consent to its publication in any event; and
• there appear to be no clear public interest grounds that would enable Trustees to lawfully publish the summary without the consent of all those identifiable from it.

While the Trustees believe that publication would be in the public interest generally, they take the view – based on the legal advice they have received – that to publish may expose the Trust to the threat of litigation and/or regulatory penalties, which would not be in the best interests of their beneficiaries. They are unable to bring themselves clearly within any of the categories of public interest exception to the processing of special category data recognised in law, and in the ICO guidance.

Apology

The Trustees of the JFCT offer an unreserved apology to every person affected by this situation, especially to those who had been led to expect a fuller publication of the findings of the investigation.

The Trustees accept the essential findings of the investigation, which they believe was carried out in a thorough and professional way. They acknowledge that those concerned may feel aggrieved at not having the opportunity to present a response to those findings, which may provide a fuller picture. The Trustees are disappointed at the impasse that has arisen, and freely acknowledge that this will be deeply upsetting to victims and survivors.

IICSA

The full CMP report (including the Participant Summary) has been lodged by CMP with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

Reckoning with the Past: A New Approach

The Trustees strongly believe it is important that an account of the Church’s past is made public. Many people may benefit from a statement which clearly acknowledges wrongs done, and harm caused, to individuals.

To that end, the Trustees are working to produce a public document which will acknowledge the reality of the experiences of those who suffered abuse or harm within the Church.

This statement will be checked with survivors’ representatives for authenticity. It will include reference to the CMP investigation findings but also wider reference to the experiences of victims of abuse or harm, which were not covered in the scope of the investigation alone. It will give specific examples of where the culture of the church was at fault, and was damaging to individuals.

Hopefully, this publication will serve to acknowledge truth and validate the experiences of those who suffered harm as a result of their contact with the Jesus Army/Jesus Fellowship Church.

With this publication, we do not wish to invalidate or diminish the accounts of those who had a different experience and this will be carefully considered so as not to belittle abuse or harm suffered.

This work on a broader public statement is current, with the intention that the statement be issued well before the JFCT finally closes.

Published: 6th April 2021

From JFCT Trustees

The Closure of the Jesus Fellowship Church

On Sunday 26th May [2019], the members of the Jesus Fellowship Church (JFC) voted to revoke the Church’s constitution. This means that the national Church, formerly known as the Jesus Army, will cease to exist and the current National Leadership Team will be stepping down from their roles once the winding up of the central Church has been completed.

Congregations that were part of the JFC will become fully independent. They will not be affiliated to a national church organisation and will be led by people who are appointed by their own members. Some have already appointed interim leadership teams, comprising women and men who are part of the congregation. These local congregations will be responsible for every aspect of their function including finance, staffing, and safeguarding.

Background

In 2013 the JFC invited people to make disclosures about their experiences of the Church and many came forward with disclosures related to pastoral abuse and bullying as well as financial, physical and sexual abuse.

This information was passed to the Police, who launched Operation Lifeboat, examining non-recent abuse in the JFC. As a result, a number of criminal cases were successfully prosecuted through the courts.

The reputation of the Church has been badly damaged and the confidence of members of the Church was profoundly shaken. Alongside this, a declining membership and consequent slowdown in giving means that the national Church no longer has the resources to continue as it was.

Following the disclosures process, the current National Leadership Team decided that they did not have the capacity or the desire to continue leading the JFC. Taking into account the scope of the problems they were facing, they did not believe anyone else could, or should, try and lead the organisation. The National Leadership Team therefore recommended to the members that the national JFC be dissolved – and that has now been approved by the members.

Apology for the past

The NLT and the members of the JFC recognise that, over a sustained period of time, there have been faults and failures in the Church that have had a profound impact on many people’s lives.

We are deeply sorry for, and appalled by the abuse that has taken place within Jesus Fellowship Church and the New Creation Christian Community (NCCC) and offer our heartfelt sympathy and unreserved apology to all those affected. Children and vulnerable people were entitled to expect full protection from harm. We acknowledge the pain many of those people continue to feel. As things have become clearer to us, we are grieved and deeply troubled.

Redress scheme

We have initiated the development of a listening and redress scheme which will continue to be taken forwards by the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust.

While the Trustees have a legal obligation to provide for the welfare of current members of the Community Trust, they want to provide help and compensation for those who suffered abuse or poor treatment in the past. They are seeking to provide resources to help former and current members towards closure from the mistakes and painful experiences of the past.

A working party – including victims and their representatives – is leading the development of this redress scheme. While we cannot undo the harm done, we hope that this can be of some help to those who feel they can engage with the scheme.

We are committed to working with the Police and Social Services to ensure that all allegations of abuse that come to our attention are dealt with appropriately and encourage anyone with concerns to report them.

Published: 28th May 2019

From the National Leadership Team of the Jesus Fellowship Church