Lewisham Councillor Cleared Amid UCKG Church Scandal
Ex-Members Slam UCKG for Abuse and Conversion Therapy Claims
Controversy surrounds the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) after former members blew the whistle on financial exploitation, emotional and spiritual abuse, and alleged conversion therapy targeting LGBTQ+ followers. The church furiously denies these claims, insisting it neither “performs or believes” in conversion therapy.
A damning BBC Panorama exposé in December 2023 revealed chilling remarks from the church’s UK leader, who branded epilepsy a “spiritual problem” and claimed mental health issues could be cured by “casting out evil spirits.”
Kim Powell Investigated but Cleared Over Church Link
Lewisham councillor Kim Powell faced sharp scrutiny after pushing for UCKG’s inclusion in Lewisham’s interfaith walk in September 2024. Powell, who stepped down as cabinet member for business in February 2025 amid the storm, was investigated for possible misconduct.
However, the official probe concluded she acted as a church employee—not as a councillor—meaning no breach of the council’s Code of Conduct occurred.
The council itself came under fire for skipping interviews with key witnesses, including the Bishop of Woolwich, who reportedly held evidence disputing Powell’s version. Green councillor Hau-Yu Tam slammed this oversight as an “error,” calling for a tougher investigation.
Powell Pledges to Serve Lewisham With Integrity
Following her exoneration, Powell declared: “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.” Lewisham Mayor Dacres declined to comment on the probe’s findings.
