Row breaks out over London council's alleged links to church accused of abuse
Row breaks out over London council's alleged links to church accused of abuse
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A political row has broken out over a South London council’s apparent connections to a controversial church accused of abuse and exploitation by former members. Rival politicians clashed at a Lewisham Council meeting last Wednesday (January 22) over the Labour-run council’s dealings with the United Church of the Kingdom of God [UCKG] — as both sides of the council chamber accused each other of playing “political football” with the issue.
Independent Lewisham councillor Hau-Yu Tam asked Mayor Brenda Dacres if the council would “apologise” for including the UCKG in an interfaith walk in September 2024. The Guardian reported as far back as 2022 claims from former church members who alleged abuse against the church, with a church spokesperson claiming in response at the time ‘former members promote hatred against the church on social media and vilify its beliefs and practices’.
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Cllr Tam, who quit Labour in July last year, said there had been “ample allegations of exploitation” made against UCKG, including emotional, financial and anti-LGBTQ+ abuse. UCKG has denied the allegations. Cllr Tam noted that the Diocese of Southwark, which also participated in the walk, had issued a statement in October last year saying it ‘deeply regretted’ distress caused by UCKG’s involvement.
She added: “A survivor, who is also a Lewisham resident, welcomed the apology, saying that it validates UCKG survivors and acknowledges that they have experienced abuse. Will the council follow suit with the Diocese of Southwark and validate survivors by issuing an apology for including UKCG on the interfaith walk?”.
