Christian missionary group accused of public shaming and rituals to ‘cure’ sexual sin

Exclusive: young volunteers also allege spiritual abuse and controlling behaviour at bases of Youth With a Mission

• ‘It felt like a demon was inside me’: young Christian missionaries allege spiritual abuse

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”.

An Observer investigation has revealed evidence of safeguarding failings within Youth With a Mission (YWAM), a global movement that trains young Christians to spread the gospel. A spokesperson for YWAM said the organisation was “heartbroken” by the claims and was “deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing” of everyone in its care.