Youth With a Mission (YWAM), the world’s largest Christian youth missionary organisation, is facing allegations of spiritual abuse and controlling behaviour.
An investigation by The Observer has revealed significant safeguarding failures, with former members describing experiences of public shaming, forced rituals to "cure" homosexuality, and pressure to remain within the organisation despite personal objections.
The allegations span two decades, with former British YWAM members among the ones recounting intense confession sessions and punishments for perceived sins, including homosexuality and disobedience. Some described rituals resembling exorcisms, while leaders imposed strict control over relationships and family visits.
Founded in 1960 by the late evangelist Loren Cunningham, YWAM operates in 180 countries, training young Christians to spread the gospel worldwide. Each year, it sends around 25,000 people on short-term missions and has key bases in the US, Australia, Switzerland, and the UK, where it is a registered charity.
In response to the allegations, YWAM England issued a statement expressing "deep regret" for any harm experienced by individuals within the organisation.
It said it is "strongly opposed to pressured group sessions of public confession," which some reported at some YWAM locations. The statement also emphasised that while personal confession is a part of Christianity, "the person should never be publicly shamed or pressured to confess something or to apologise".
"YWAM England highly values professional therapy, counselling and medical advice. Informed consent, trauma-awareness, and appropriate spiritual and pastoral oversight are essential. We are deeply grieved to hear reports that spiritual practices intended for healing were instead used in coercive or shaming ways. We condemn any practice—past or present—that traumatises individuals or associates their identity with demonic influence," the statement continued.
The UK branch also outlined steps taken to address these concerns, including a review of safeguarding practices.
The statement concluded: "Finally, we want to emphasise our concern for those who have been impacted by negative experiences in YWAM. We are especially grateful to the former YWAM members who have spoken up, even when it has been painful to do so. Your courage is helping shape the future of our movement and helping to inform our efforts and ensure we maintain our duty of care".
This article has been altered to include YWAM England's latest statement.