Lewisham councillor Kim Powell has been cleared of wrongdoing after controversy erupted over her connection with the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), which faces serious accusations of abuse and shady practices.
Ex-Members Cry Foul Over Church’s Dark Practices
Ex-members have hit out at UCKG, accusing it of financial exploitation, emotional and spiritual abuse, and practising conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ members — claims the church denies, insisting it neither “performs or believes” in conversion therapy.
A BBC Panorama report in December 2023 revealed the church’s UK leader branded epilepsy a “spiritual problem,” while claiming it could cure mental health issues by “casting out evil spirits.”
Powell’s Role Under Fire but Cleared in Official Probe
Powell, a former cabinet member for business who stepped down abruptly in February 2025, was investigated over her request to include UCKG in Lewisham’s interfaith walk in September 2024. The probe found she acted in her capacity as a church employee — not as a councillor — and thus did not breach the council’s Code of Conduct.
The council was also criticised for not interviewing key witnesses like the Bishop of Woolwich, whom Reign claimed had evidence contradicting Powell’s denials. Green councillor Hau-Yu Tam called this an “error” and urged more thorough scrutiny.
Powell Vows to Continue Serving Lewisham
After the ruling, Powell said: “The independent investigation and standards sub-committee has confirmed that I did not breach the Code of Conduct and that no further action is required.”
She added she remains “fully committed to serving the local community with integrity, transparency and dedication.” Mayor Dacres declined to comment on the investigation’s outcome.
