The world’s biggest youth Christian missionary organisation is facing allegations of spiritual abuse and controlling behaviour from young people who say they were left “traumatised”. Those who confessed could be questioned and made to give public apologies, according to former missionaries. Others described how people disclosed being victims of assault or sexual abuse, as well as transgressions such as speeding fines. A YWAM base in the UK was recently closed amid claims of spiritual abuse. In England, a YWAM spokesperson said leaders had “implemented stricter oversight mechanisms” after claims of spiritual abuse at a base which has since closed.
