Jesus Fellowship (Jesus Army) Redress Scheme

On 26 September 2022 the Jesus Fellowship Church Trust, also known as the Jesus Army, launched a Redress Scheme following the many allegations of abuse which led to the closure of the community. 

The Scheme is intended to give financial redress to eligible applicants who were victims or survivors of Sexual, Physical or Emotional Abuse within the Fellowship.  The Redress Scheme is open to applications until 31 December 2023.

The Jesus Army, as it was popularly known, was a religious movement which had its beginnings in Northampton in the 1970’s, but at its peak had more than 2000 members living in community houses throughout England.  The communities were led by elders, many of whom abused their positions of authority, leading to several convictions for the sexual assault of vulnerable members of the community.  In addition to the reported sexual abuse, many were subjected to physical abuse by beatings and financial abuse by the taking of individual’s money into what was called the “common purse”.       

For more information on the Redress Scheme please click here : Redress Scheme Updates - Jesus Fellowship Community Trust  

The Scheme strongly advises applicants to engage a solicitor in order to help with the Application process and the Scheme will meet the legal costs in addition to providing financial compensation.  David Hawkins, of our Child Abuse team is currently advising former members of the Jesus Fellowship and helping them through the process of claiming through the Redress Scheme.   David has extensive experience in helping people through the process of applying through Redress Schemes.   He was heavily involved in the Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme where he recovered millions of pounds in compensation for applicants, as well as acting for survivors through the Scottish Redress Scheme.

If you or a loved one have been affected by the events surrounding the Jesus Fellowship, please talk to us in complete confidence and we will be happy to discuss with you your rights under the scheme, and should you wish, assist you through the application process.