We are a team of ex-members of Grace Fellowship Manchester (GFM) who have survived being spiritually abused by their ex-pastor, Kevin Williams, and also by some members of GFM.

Within the admin team there is also experience of surviving other types of abuse, at the hands of people unrelated to that particular church. We really understand that all types of abuse have a devastating impact on the victims’ lives, and result in the great need for discrete, genuine care and compassion to help bring about healing. 

We are by no means experts, pastors or therapists, but we do have plenty of empathy and respect for all who need a listening ear, or help and advice.

Our heart is simply to support survivors of psychological, emotional or spiritual abuse as fellow Christians who care – particularly ex-members of GFM, because we recognise that people have been harmed there. We wish to extend our support to sufferers of any type of abuse generally, regardless of the source.

This is why this website has been created. Our desire is to comfort and support those in need with the comfort we have received from God and others, and to also speak truthfully to the cultural dynamics that enabled and encouraged this abuse to thrive, (in this particular case with zero accountability,) for 10 years during Kevin Williams time as pastor of GFM. We plan to supplement this with evidence of the patterns of abuse that have been reported by former members and highlight systemic abuses of authority, where relevant.

We believe that scripture shows us that churches are meant to be safe ‘oases in the desert’ of this world, and should never be the cause of trauma. Sadly, however, as is generally the case where an abusive culture is rife within a church, a good number of believers have had their faith harmed by Kevin Williams and by their time at GFM. Sweeping these issues under the carpet and playing ‘happy church families’ to outsiders, as is currently the case at GFM,  is wholly unChristlike because it does not show love to those affected, nor does it speak truthfully about what has happened.

Among the communications the admin have been receiving from abuse victims over the last few years, we have heard from many people who have suffered spiritual trauma, such as twisting scripture, harassment, manipulation, shunning, lies, slander, unbiblical excommunication, with wilful participation in such actions by key members of the church. Survivors have been left out in the cold – told to ‘just move on’ and stop ‘holding a grudge’, or that they are ‘clinging to past hurts’ & are ‘unforgiving’.

These are events and attitudes that caused some ex-members to almost lose their faith. Naturally, they struggled to grapple with how Kevin Williams and many of the people at GFM could be so ruthless at times, whilst simultaneously being so passionate about the gospel.

Where is the accountability in such devastating cases?

Jesus has clearly called us to advocate and speak for those affected, invite them in, care for them, and also to reflect honestly and with integrity about these events, and to put away pretence. This concern and care relates to all victims of abusive situations, no matter where it takes place, the type of abuse, or who the perpetrator or victim is.

But that is not all…in Christ Jesus, we also believe that there is hope! We believe that there is a very real hope of healing for survivors of any and all trauma; we believe there is hope of restoration of the faith of those affected; and we believe there is hope of repentance too!

As an Admin Team, we have begun to feel God’s healing touch in our hearts and He has been restoring our hope in Him in each season. We believe that churches CAN be safe places, and we aim to share scriptures and resources in this area that we have found helpful.

This website exists simply because we love people and seek to obey Christ in how we treat survivors of abuse.