Youth With A Mission (YWAM) England has issued an official response following allegations of spiritual abuse and coercive practices reported in The Guardian and The Observer. The reports detailed claims from former young missionaries who said they were left “traumatized” after experiencing controlling behavior and religious shaming within the international Christian organization.
Both British newspapers cited an investigation into alleged safeguarding failures at YWAM, describing practices spanning two decades. According to The Guardian’s April 5 report, young adults who participated in training schools and overseas missions described being pressured to confess perceived sins in group settings, facing public humiliation, and in some cases, being subjected to rituals resembling exorcisms.
“The allegations span two decades and include claims that young missionaries were publicly shamed, subjected to rituals to ‘cure’ their homosexuality, and told that leaving was against God’s will,” stated the Guardian report.
“Young British adults who signed up for training schools and overseas mission trips — many during their gap years — described regular confession sessions where they were pressured to admit their ‘sins’ in a group.”
The newspaper cited “perceived moral transgressions,” listed as “homosexual thoughts, sexual activity, abortions and watching pornography, as well as other ‘sins’ such as disobeying a leader or having ‘rebellious thoughts.’”
“Those who confessed could be questioned and made to give public apologies, according to former missionaries,” added the Guardian report.
“They could be prayed for or could face punishment, including being removed from volunteer roles. In some cases, interventions were more extreme. Former YWAM volunteers described the use of rituals similar to exorcisms to banish demons from people who acknowledged having sex outside marriage.”
On Sunday (April 6), YWAM England issued its official response, outlining the mission, purpose and history of the evangelical organization, which operates in 180 countries and trains between 15,000 to 20,000 people in missions every year, at YWAM bases around the world and in cross-cultural settings.
“YWAM in England has been a UK charity since 1972 now with eight partner charities, training hundreds of young people every year to serve local communities in areas of social need while practising and communicating their Christian faith,” stated YWAM England.
“Although most young people have had a very positive experience in YWAM, we are aware and deeply regret that some have had harmful experiences of spiritual abuse and manipulation. We recognise that abuse can occur in large and small organisations of all types.
“We acknowledge that leadership styles vary in different cultures around the world. YWAM globally provides accountability to its locations through a community of local leadership structures. This is to ensure that leaders and ministries serve others, as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ, and do not use their position to damage others.”
The safety and well-being of everyone in the care of the organization remains a deep commitment of YWAM England, the statement added, and with a dynamic of continuously improving safeguarding practices.
“We have designated safeguarding leads who ensure that safeguarding remains a top priority. In addition, each YWAM location is responsible for upholding the safeguarding standards required in its country of operation.”
Reports of spiritual abuse at one of the locations in England led to YWAM England taking action and shutting it down, the statement confirmed.
“Our policy is to report allegations to the LADO (local authority designated safeguarding lead), Action Fraud, and the Charity Commission, and support the reportees who have contacted us as well as providing access to professional emotional, psychological and legal support,” the YWAM statement continued — reiterating its commitment to safeguarding.
“We continually comprehensively review all our safeguarding policies and governance structures to ensure we are doing everything possible to protect those involved. We have also strengthened our safeguarding policy and training, in partnership with the Independent Safeguarding Service CIC and continued our membership with Thirtyone:eight.”
The focus of the mission organization is to fully support anyone raising concerns whilst ensuring both their safety and anonymity: “ensuring their voices are heard and appropriate action is taken.”
YWAM England also stated that its aim is not only responding well to individual reports but to build “systems that prevent future harm across all of YWAM England.”
In regard to the allegations, YWAM England stated its strong opposition to “pressured group sessions of public confession.”
“While confession of sin may occur, the person should never be publicly shamed or pressured to confess something or to apologise,” the YWAM statement added.
YWAM England emphasized its commitment to professional therapy, counseling and medical advice, stating that informed consent, trauma awareness, and appropriate spiritual and pastoral oversight are fundamental to its approach.
“We are deeply grieved to hear reports that spiritual practices intended for healing were instead used in coercive or shaming ways. We condemn any practice—past or present—that traumatises individuals or associates their identity with demonic influence.”
The mission organization confirmed it holds to traditional Christian views on sexual morality and marriage. “These beliefs should not, however, be used to shame others,” the statement added.
“We affirm the dignity and worth of every individual. We do not condone any practice that results in humiliation, exclusion, or internalised shame. We are grieved by reports of individuals who felt that their identity was treated as sinful or demonic, and we are reviewing how our teachings are expressed to ensure they reflect compassion, truth, and love.”
YWAM England expressed sorrow over reports from individuals who said their experiences with the organization harmed their mental health, sense of identity or self-worth. While affirming its adherence to traditional Christian views on sexuality and marriage, the organization said it is actively reviewing how those beliefs are taught and communicated to avoid causing shame or rejection.
“We are aware and concerned that young people frequently experience anxiety, shame, and low self-esteem. Our approach has never been to add negatively to these feelings but to create environments where these issues can be discussed in a safe place,” it added.
YWAM England also outlined its preparations for YWAMers living as active Christians in parts of the world where persecution means following Jesus poses a challenge to the safety of his followers. This involves safety and cultural orientation briefings, and is handled within the context of safeguarding.
“Finally, we want to emphasise our concern for those who have been impacted by negative experiences in YWAM,” stated YWAM England.
“We are especially grateful to the former YWAM members who have spoken up, even when it has been painful to do so. Your courage is helping shape the future of our movement and helping to inform our efforts and ensure we maintain our duty of care.”
Those who have been affected and would like to speak with someone confidentially are encouraged to contact the YWAM England safeguarding team at reporting@ywamengland.org.
