Fundraising Regulator Condemns Church Over Donor Exploitation
The Fundraising Regulator has issued a damning ruling against the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), a UK-registered charity and international evangelical movement, for failing to protect vulnerable donors. The investigation followed complaints from former members, including a woman who handed over her life savings in the belief it would secure divine blessings.
Vulnerable Donors Left Unprotected
In a report published in February, the regulator found that UCKG breached the fundraising code by accepting a "large donation" from Jennifer, a 29-year-old professional from London, while aware of her previous mental health difficulties. The charity could not demonstrate it had considered her needs or circumstances, and lacked policies to safeguard vulnerable donors. Jennifer estimates she gave over £38,000 to UCKG over eight years, including £15,000 from her savings, which she described as financial coercion.
"I was not in the right state of mind. I do believe I was financially coerced and controlled," Jennifer said. She added that services often featured videos encouraging members to give everything, leading her to close a help-to-buy ISA and donate even small change.
Prosperity Gospel and High-Control Tactics
Sarah, another former member from London, spent years adhering to the "prosperity gospel," where cash donations are believed to unlock health and wealth from God. "Sometimes you're seeing God as a genie, where if I give him all this money, He will bring me what I want," she explained. Both women allege UCKG imposed strict controls, forbidding dating outside the membership and arranging marriages to pastors, while isolating members from friends and family.
The regulator also found UCKG breached the code in Sarah's case by lacking a clear complaints procedure and failing to meet data protection requirements after she left the church.
Calls for Government Action
Rachael Reign, leader of the Surviving Universal UK support group, is urging ministers to take tougher action against "high control" religious groups, which currently face no specific legal restrictions. "In the UCKG, if you want to be saved, if you want to be healed, if you want to receive any kind of success, you have to buy your blessings," Reign stated, noting the group receives at least five new referrals weekly about UCKG.
UCKG reported a UK income of over £15 million in the most recent financial year, with £13 million from donations. In 2022, former followers told the Guardian they felt pressured to give tithes, equating to 10% of their income.
Church Denies Allegations
A UCKG spokesperson strongly refuted the claims, stating they "do not reflect the experience of the vast majority of our 5,000-plus members across 38 branches in the UK." The charity emphasised that tithes and donations are voluntary, based on Christian teaching, and denied controlling members' relationships, finances, or personal lives. They added they are working constructively with the regulator to update policies and ensure compliance.
The regulator has recommended UCKG's trustees consider refunding Jennifer's donation and seek professional advice, potentially requiring authorisation from the Charity Commission for England and Wales. However, the Fundraising Regulator lacks sanctioning powers, highlighting gaps in current regulations.
