A troubling pattern of alleged misconduct has emerged around the London International Christian Church (LICC), a Bible-based non-denominational church, as former student members come forward with their experiences.
Several young people, aged between 19 and 22 when they became involved with the church, have described feeling intense pressure to donate money they could not afford, as well as being asked for private financial information. Some claim they were discouraged from maintaining relationships outside the church and even told to break up with their partners.
Jodie, who was baptised into the LICC at age 20, says she was informed by her “discipler” or church mentor that she could only invite a handful of family members to her 21st birthday party, organised by the church. Looking back, she feels this was the start of the church encouraging her to choose them over her existing friends and family.
Hanu, another former member, says the church’s use of scripture “embedded it into your head that you are robbing from God every time you don’t give.” He showed bank statements to the BBC revealing he had sent the last 46 pence he had in one account to the church.
Madalaine, who was 19 when approached by an LICC member on her university campus, recalls being asked to reveal her “biggest sins” to the group during a Bible study session. She was later told by two members to break up with her boyfriend, who was not part of the church.
The LICC has denied the allegations, stating that any claim of donors being told it is a “sin” not to give, especially when lacking funds, is “utterly false and baseless.” The church says it offers financial aid to members in difficulty and that asking for private financial information is not its practice or policy.
However, charity law expert Nathalie Jacoby-Danesh emphasises that “a donation needs to be a voluntary act” under the law and regulations governing charities. The Fundraising Regulator has acknowledged an “increased misunderstanding and inconsistent practice” around the activities of faith-based charities that constitute fundraising.
With the LICC claiming to be aiming for 400 “disciples” by 2025, these allegations raise serious questions about the church’s practices and its adherence to charity regulations. As more former members come forward, the scrutiny on the LICC and similar faith-based organisations is likely to intensify.
