Church Charity Under Fire for Controversial Sermons on Women and LGBTQ+ Rights
A London-based church charity is facing intense scrutiny and potential investigation by regulatory authorities after disturbing sermons surfaced, revealing leaders instructing married women that "the devil will come" if they deny their husbands sex and calling for gay people to be "institutionalized." The Wellspring Ministry, registered as a charity for "the advancement of religion," has been reported to the Charity Commission following the release of these videos, which critics argue promote harmful misogyny and homophobia under the guise of religious practice.
Explicit Sermons Reveal Extreme Views on Marriage and Sexuality
Filmed sermons from 2022 and 2023 show Bienvenue Hombessa, chair of trustees at Wellspring Ministry, delivering explicit messages to congregants. In one video, Hombessa tells married women, "Within the context of marriage, your body, sister – it does not belong to you." He warns that if women refuse sex repeatedly, "the devil will come in," with men in the audience shouting "amen" in support. When women fail to respond enthusiastically, Hombessa chastises them, shouting, "I can't hear you sisters, no I can't hear you."
Further sermons from last year reveal Hombessa asserting that "sex in marriage is a right" and condemning gay marriage as "disgusting." He advocates for homosexuals to be taken to an "institution" and given injections, while describing men who dress as women as "revolting." Hombessa laments in the footage, "Gay people used to be considered mentally unwell. Today it has become normal," highlighting the church's regressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Charity Status Questioned Amid Harmful Teachings
Despite these controversial teachings, Wellspring Ministry maintains its status as a registered charity, with its purpose defined as "the advancement of religion." The charity engages in community services such as running food banks and providing international aid, activities that the National Secular Society acknowledges "many churches still do." However, the vague guidelines on what constitutes public benefit for religious charities have allowed organizations like Wellspring to promote divisive ideologies without immediate repercussions.
Alejandro Sanchez from the National Secular Society told Metro, "Charities must demonstrate they provide a genuine public benefit. But guidelines are vague on what constitutes a public benefit, particularly in relation to religious activities. There is still an assumption in the charity system that religion is inherently beneficial." Sanchez criticized the charity system for enabling religious organizations to advance extremist views that would be unacceptable in other contexts, noting, "By promoting homophobic or misogynistic views rooted in scripture, religious charities are indeed 'advancing religion' – at least as they interpret it."
Regulatory Action and Public Outcry
The National Secular Society has formally reported Wellspring Ministry to the Charity Commission, urging an investigation into whether the charity's activities align with public benefit requirements. Metro has reached out to both the Charity Commission and Wellspring Ministry for comment, but responses are pending. This case highlights ongoing debates about the boundaries of religious freedom and the responsibilities of charitable organizations in promoting inclusive and non-harmful practices.
Public reaction has been one of outrage, with many calling for stricter oversight of religious charities to prevent the propagation of hate speech and discrimination. The incident underscores the tension between religious expression and societal values, particularly in diverse urban settings like London where such teachings can impact vulnerable communities.
