Church Claims Young Boy Possessed by Malevolent Spirit

A recent undercover investigation by BBC Panorama has revealed that a UK branch of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) has been secretly filmed attempting to exorcise evil spirits from a 16-year-old. The footage shows a UCKG pastor reciting prayers in an attempt to rid the boy of a demon. Additionally, a former gay member of the church stated that he was subjected to "strong prayers" at the age of 13 in an attempt to change his sexual orientation. The UCKG has branches worldwide, including 35 in the UK where it operates as a registered charity. It claims to have over 10,000 members across the country and describes itself as a Christian Pentecostal church. The practice of casting out evil spirits, also known as deliverance or exorcisms, is not uncommon in the Christian world. However, the UCKG does not use the term "exorcism" to describe its practices. The church states that individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to participate in "strong prayers" services, and it denies conducting "conversion therapy". It asserts that prayers are performed during weekly "spiritual cleansing" services to address the root causes of problems. The UCKG came under scrutiny following the tragic murder of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie. In the days leading up to her death, she was taken to a UCKG branch, where a pastor suggested she might be possessed and recommended "strong prayers". The Charity Commission later highlighted the church's lack of a formal child protection policy. As a result of this criticism, the UCKG implemented a safeguarding policy that explicitly prohibits "strong prayers" for anyone under 18 or in their presence. However, BBC Panorama's undercover filming shows a pastor conducting "strong prayers" on a 16-year-old boy during a youth group service. Former UCKG members interviewed by BBC Panorama describe their experiences within the church and the challenges they faced when leaving. Some claim they were subjected to "strong prayers" despite having mental health issues, which goes against the church's safeguarding policy. Others state they were encouraged to undergo exorcisms in an attempt to change their sexual orientation. The UCKG denies conducting "conversion therapy" and insists that "strong prayers" are not given for matters of sexuality or gender alignment. The church maintains that it welcomes people of all sexual preferences. Overall, the investigation raises concerns about the UCKG's adherence to safeguarding policies and the potential harm caused by its practices. The testimonies from former members suggest a pattern of psychological manipulation and intimidation.