‘They say you have to buy blessings’: the London women who gave everything to a controversial church

Rachael Reign, of Surviving Universal UK, is calling for ministers to take tougher action against ‘high control’ religious groups. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

“Sometimes you’re seeing God as a genie, where if I give him all this money, He will bring me what I want,” Sarah says.

The 27-year-old spent years in the grip of “prosperity gospel”, whose followers believe cash donations to evangelical churches unlock divine blessings of health and wealth. So did Jennifer*, 29, who says she handed over her life savings.