The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) has said it is “deeply saddened” that a deacon of one of its affiliated churches has been convicted of sexual abuse offences.
On Monday, 61-year-old Michael Toms, from Alexandra Road Congregational Church, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of one count of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child.
He was acquitted on two further counts of indecent assault.
The crimes, which were committed against two girls, took place between 1979 and 1983. They began when the girls were aged between 12 and 13, and Toms was between 15 and 19 years old.
FIEC said in a statement to Premier Christian News that it grieves “for the victims involved.” It added: “We pray that those affected might know God’s gentle care going forward”.
Alexandra Road Congregational Church told Premier that as soon as it learned of the charges last year, it consulted its safeguarding provider, CCS. It was advised that because the charges were historic, Toms did not need to stand down from his role as deacon, which he had held for 29 years.
The church also said that Toms had not exhibited any suspicious behaviour since the incidents 40 years ago and had maintained a blameless record, which was another reason he was approved to remain in leadership.
It explained that his appointment as director of the church in February this year, after he was charged April 2024, was purely for administrative purposes, connected to the church seeking CLG status.
FIEC added: “Like all churches affiliated to FIEC, Alexandra Road Congregational Church is an independent church in its own right, over which FIEC has no legal or management control.
“We do, however, expect all member churches to be fully compliant with Charity Commission obligations, and we encourage them to follow best practice in areas such as safeguarding. In that regard, the church was right to seek outside professional advice when it became aware of this matter and to take necessary actions accordingly. We have been in contact with the church and they are committed to implementing ongoing safeguarding measures.”
Toms resigned as deacon of the church following his conviction.
In a statement to Premier on Monday, a spokesperson for Alexandra Road Congregational Church said the church “acknowledges with sadness the dreadful impact of these events on all involved.”
It added that the church has taken further advice from its safeguarding provider and will follow any instructions from the statutory authorities.
