Lewisham Cllr Kim Powell Cleared in UCKG Abuse Link Probe 2026

Key Points

• Lewisham Councillor Kim Powell has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an independent standards investigation into allegations that she used her position to promote the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in an interfaith walk.
• The complaint, lodged by Ms Reign of Surviving Universal UK, alleged Powell’s actions caused distress to UCKG abuse survivors and led to public backlash.​
• Powell works as a Community Outreach Manager at UCKG, a role listed in her register of interests as of January 2025.​
• Controversy arose from UCKG’s inclusion in a September 2024 interfaith peace walk in Lewisham, organised with involvement from the Diocese of Southwark, which later apologised for the distress caused.
• Independent Councillor Hau-Yu Tam raised the issue at a January 2025 Lewisham Council meeting, calling for an apology from Mayor Brenda Dacres.
• UCKG faces long-standing abuse allegations, including exorcisms, financial exploitation, and child deaths; described as a “cult” by critics.
• Mayor Dacres defended the council, stating no formal ties to UCKG and condemning all abuse, amid accusations of politicising the matter.​
• Powell resigned from her Cabinet position in February 2025, alongside Cllr Chris Barnham, as announced by Mayor Dacres.​
• Survivors like Rachael Reign highlighted safeguarding concerns over UCKG’s participation in community events.​
• The council’s monitoring officer determined no breach of the code of conduct by Powell.​

Lewisham (South London News) March 9, 2026 – A Lewisham councillor has been officially cleared of wrongdoing after accusations that she leveraged her public role to involve the controversial Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in a local interfaith event, amid ongoing claims of abuse linked to the church. The independent standards investigation concluded that Councillor Kim Powell did not breach the council’s code of conduct, bringing an end to a probe sparked by survivor complaints. This development follows heated council debates and public outcry over UCKG’s community ties in the borough.

What Sparked the Complaint Against Kim Powell?

The controversy traces back to an interfaith peace walk in September 2024, where the Catford branch of UCKG participated alongside other groups, including the Diocese of Southwark. Rachael Reign, 30, director of Surviving Universal UK—a support group for ex-members—lodged the formal complaint, alleging that Councillor Powell’s actions in facilitating UCKG’s inclusion caused “significant distress to survivors of abuse connected to the UCKG, triggered public backlash.”

As reported in the Standards Complaint Investigation Report on Lewisham’s official site, Ms Reign claimed Powell used her position as Cabinet Member for Business “improperly to legitimise and promote UCKG.” This echoed concerns raised earlier by Independent Councillor Hau-Yu Tam at a council meeting on January 22, 2025. According to Jonathan Bucks of the Evening Standard, Cllr Tam asked Mayor Brenda Dacres:

“Will the council follow suit with the Diocese of Southwark and validate survivors by issuing an apology for including UCKG on the interfaith walk?”

Councillor Powell’s employment at UCKG as Community Outreach Manager, disclosed in her register of interests as of January 24, 2025, fuelled the allegations. Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) first highlighted this link in December 2022.​

What Are the Abuse Allegations Against UCKG?

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God has faced accusations of cult-like practices for years, including financial exploitation, brainwashing, and physical abuse. Survivors have spoken out about being forced to perform exorcisms and pay 10 per cent tithes, with claims of preying on vulnerable people.

As detailed by South London Press journalists, one survivor stated:

“They made me perform exorcisms on others,”

highlighting psychological torture. Wikipedia notes severe incidents, such as a 2000 London exorcism leading to a child’s death and the guardians’ murder conviction, alongside bans in African countries and illegal adoptions in Portugal. A recent TikTok report by Liam Shrivastava on March 6, 2026, reiterated:

“The UCKG has been accused of abusing its members.”

Rachael Reign of Surviving Universal UK told London News Online:

“The inclusion of the UCKG on the interfaith walk caused considerable upset and distress among ex-members… Surely there must be a safeguarding policy for the organisations included in the walk.”​

How Did the Council Respond to the Interfaith Walk Backlash?

Tensions peaked at the January 22, 2025, council meeting, where rival politicians clashed over UCKG links. Cllr Tam pressed for an apology, citing the Diocese of Southwark’s October 2024 statement that it “deeply regretted” the distress caused. A survivor and Lewisham resident welcomed the diocese’s words, validating abuse experiences, per Cllr Tam.​

Mayor Dacres responded firmly, insisting the council had no ties to UCKG despite Powell’s role, and condemned all abuse forms. As reported by Alan Sharp of AlanSharp.co.uk:

“Mayor Dacres emphasised that the council condemns all forms of abuse… She claimed her roles as a councillor and her job at the church are separate,”

quoting Powell indirectly. Cllr Tam interjected:

“You are the one that’s politicising this issue because you’re avoiding [the question].”

An Instagram reel highlighted the “fallout of Labour-run Lewisham Council leadership’s handling of the multiple abuse allegations.”​

What Did the Standards Investigation Conclude?

The independent probe, documented in Lewisham Council’s Determination of a Complaint under the Code of Conduct and Standards Complaint Investigation Report, dismissed the claims against Powell. It specifically addressed:

“In relation to the allegation that Councillor Kim Powell used her position as a Councillor improperly to legitimise and promote UCKG.”

The monitoring officer found no code breach, clearing Powell fully. This outcome was referenced in recent social media, noting Labour’s continued support for her despite scrutiny.

Why Did Kim Powell Resign from Cabinet?

On February 2, 2025, Mayor Brenda Dacres announced Cabinet changes, including Powell’s resignation alongside Cllr Chris Barnham’s departure from his Children and Young People role. The official Lewisham Council statement read:

“The Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, has confirmed changes to her Cabinet, following the resignation of Cllr Chris Barnham and Cllr Kim Powell.”

Barnham planned to stay as Crofton Park councillor post-budget meeting on March 5.​

While not explicitly tied to the probe in announcements, timing followed the January clashes and growing scrutiny.

What Happens Next for Lewisham Council and UCKG Ties?

No further council actions against Powell are indicated post-clearance. Mayor Dacres maintained the council’s abuse condemnation without formal UCKG links. Survivor groups like Surviving Universal UK continue advocacy, with Reign emphasising safeguarding in events.

The interfaith walk precedent raises ongoing questions about vetting community partners amid abuse claims. Cllr Tam’s push for apology persists unaddressed officially beyond the diocese’s.

Broader Context: UCKG’s History in the UK

UCKG’s UK controversies include the 2000 exorcism tragedy and charity probes. London News Online reported 2024 concerns over council relationships, building on 2022 survivor testimonies. Alan Sharp noted the issue “has been a hot topic since 2022.”

This clearance allows Powell to continue as councillor, though her UCKG role remains declared. Labour’s stance, per social updates, backs her post-investigation.