The Charity Commission has opened a case into the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) to investigate safeguarding concerns.

The details of these concerns are not yet clear but the Commission has stated that a regulatory compliance case has begun into the evangelical church to “assess information and determine next steps.” However, it has stated that it has currently “made no finding of wrongdoing.”

It comes following reports from former UCKG church members of feeling pressured to donate large sums of money, cut ties with family members and being taught their mental health issues were a result of demon possession.

Speaking to the Guardian, ex-UCKG church member Rachael Reign claims she was “exposed to some horrendous things that I just should not have been exposed to,” whilst volunteering for the church and attending its youth programme Victory youth group (VYG).

Reign left the church at 20 after seven years as a member. She has since started a Surviving Universal UK group, to allow other former members to share their experiences.

UCKG is an evangelical global church network with over 50 sites across the UK and 5,000 churches in Brazil. Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1977 by Bishop Edir Macedo - owner of the multi-billion television company RecordTV.

Premier has reached out to UCKG for comment.

A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said it has a duty to assess all concerns against its risk framework and its focus is on the conduct of trustees and the steps they take to protect beneficiaries, employees, volunteers and others who come into contact with the charity through its work.

Speaking to Premier a spokesperson said: “A charity should be a safe and trusted environment. As regulator, we are clear that keeping people safe should be a priority for all charity trustees.”