Police arrest amid probe into sexual assault claims at flagship LGBTQ+ church

Police have arrested a man in an investigation into allegations of "a number of sexual assaults". The probe is linked to claims concerning Inclusive Gathering Birmingham - an LGBTQ+ inclusive church in Birmingham.

Services were suspended after a number of alleged victims came forward with complaints of 'inappropriate touching, sexual harassment and in some cases sexual assault' against an individual earlier this year. The church, part of the Birmingham Methodist District, describes itself as a 'diverse, justice-seeking LGBTQIA+ affirming church'.

The services were suspended for six weeks in May as part of a 'safeguarding' investigation, but in June said the church said there was 'no ongoing safeguarding risk' arising from the complaints made by members. A campaign group named Survivors of Inclusive Gathering Birmingham LGBTQ+ Methodist Church Abuse Campaign claimed alleged victims were 'banned' from the church as part of a 'flawed investigation' into the allegations - and also claimed senior leaders were 'aware' of complaints made against a former member of the team before any action was taken.

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This week, West Midlands Police confirmed a 49-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and bailed while enquiries continued. In an open letter published in June, campaigners made allegations of 'systemic abuse' at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham (ICB) between 2018 and 2024.

One alleged victim who claimed they were 'groped' during a hug said in a statement: "I believe that I, along with others, were groomed or conditioned by the Methodist Church into accepting inappropriate sexual behaviour from a church leader, including sexual touching, harassment, and assault. This occurred at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham, targeting vulnerable LGBTQ+ Christians."

They went on to claim: "They attempted to ban us from the church, cut us off from other members, and obstruct our efforts to progress with our complaints... a public appeal is urgently needed to encourage other survivors to come forward and share their experiences."

Another alleged victim claimed they were told the individual was 'just a hugger'. Campaigners alleged those who raised initial complaints were 'removed from all information channels and volunteer positions within the church by IGB leadership.'

They have also claimed that key victims were not interviewed by Birmingham Methodist District as it looked into the complaints. The group has called for a 'reopening' of the church investigation with an independent body to oversee it.

West Midlands Police was first made aware of allegations of sexual assault from an individual at IGB in November 2023, but said the victim 'did not wish to pursue a criminal investigation' at the time. Last week, the force confirmed it had opened an investigation into a number of reports of sexual assault between August 2022 and January 2024 in Birmingham.

A statement issued by the force on November 18 read: "Officers investigating a number of reports of sexual assaults in Birmingham have made an arrest. As part of our ongoing enquiries, a 49-year-old man was arrested this weekend on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been bailed while our enquiries continue."

When approached, Birmingham Methodist District said it did not comment on police investigations but said 'all those put forward as witnesses were specifically contacted' when the allegations were made. Its statement read: "A safeguarding concern was first brought to the attention of Inclusive Gathering Birmingham's leadership in late 2023.

"This was followed by further complaints to the Birmingham Methodist District as IGB's oversight body in January 2024. Swift action was then taken by Inclusive Gathering and District leaders to ensure the safety of the community.

"With risk removed, a five-month safeguarding investigation followed. However, beyond the initial concern, multiple further allegations could not be corroborated or were found to be inaccurate and therefore dismissed.

"Multiple opportunities to respond were offered to the whole IGB community, and all those put forward as witnesses were specifically contacted and invited to make statements. Several LGBTQ+ members of Inclusive Gathering expressed distress at being wrongly named as victims or witnesses without their knowledge or consent.

"Throughout, we have continually urged everyone to contact police directly if they feel they have been a victim of a crime. The safeguarding investigation was completed in June finding no ongoing risk in relation to the original allegation, but IGB has not yet reconvened public gatherings due to the distress and damage this situation has caused.

"The Birmingham Methodist District has supported and funded Inclusive Gathering Birmingham for seven years because we believe that LGBTQ+ people are deeply loved by God and that faith communities that celebrate the gifts, wisdom and spirituality of queer people are desperately needed. We're grieved by all the pain that has been experienced and we're committed to supporting IGB community members as they take the time and space they need to process, heal and rebuild."