YWAM has said it’s “deeply sorry” after The Observer published a report by which former members alleged being subjected to strict controls and spiritual abuse.
Former YWAMers described training sessions as “very shame-driven” and said they’d felt shamed for behaviours deemed unacceptable by their leaders, like using a Christian dating app or, within the case of ladies, wearing certain clothing.
One ex-YWAMer said her experience of leadership training had been “quite controlling” and that she had been put under pressure to not attend her grandmother’s funeral since it coincided with a church service.
Former missionaries described collaborating in lengthy public repentance sessions for perceived moral transgressions. There were also accounts of “healing” or “casting out” sessions to banish demons and take care of “deep sin” like homosexual thoughts or sexual intercourse outside heterosexual marriage.
“We ‘prayed off’ all of the demons and sin and asked God to forgive them and make them whole again,” said an ex-YWAMer.
While some found the “testimony night” cathartic, others described feeling pressured to admit sinful thoughts.
The report relies on the accounts of 21 current and former YWAMers spanning the last 20 years and across 18 countries.
Responding to the report, YWAM said, “We are deeply sorry to anyone who has experienced harm while being a part of YWAM. No one should suffer spiritual abuse, coercion, or psychological distress in a faith-based community.
“We unequivocally condemn any type of coercive or shaming group practices, including public confession sessions which were reported at some YWAM locations. While personal confession is part of Christian practice, it should at all times be voluntary and respectful.
“Any practice that pressures individuals to reveal trauma or shame them publicly is fallacious. We don’t condone so-called ‘healingrituals’ that harm or stigmatise, and these haven’t any place in YWAM England.”
It went on to say that it doesn’t condone “any practice that ends 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’re reviewing how our teachings are expressed to make sure they reflect compassion, truth, and love,” it said.
