Statement: Resignation of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Swansea

We are sorry to announce that Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Swansea, has resigned its affiliation to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). We issue this statement to provide context to that decision.

Background

During 2024, a number of concerns were raised with FIEC by multiple parties in relation to leadership culture and the handling of complaints within the church. These concerns were raised under FIEC’s guidance for addressing concerns about member churches.

In light of the number and nature of the concerns, FIEC staff engaged with the church’s leadership over an extended period, seeking a constructive way forward. Throughout this process, it was made clear that FIEC was not seeking to adjudicate the truth of specific allegations, but to ensure that a process existed, or could be put in place, such that serious concerns could be investigated in ways that are proportionate, transparent, and fair. 

As the process continued, the FIEC staff concluded that it was not possible for them to establish sufficient confidence that such an approach was in place. The matter was therefore referred to the Trust Board in October 2025, to consider whether or not it should begin the constitutional process for disaffiliation.

The Trust Board asked the church to commit to an independent, comprehensive, and constructive review, with appropriate involvement from FIEC in identifying or approving those overseeing it, in order to ensure and demonstrate objectivity. The Trust Board noted that cooperation with these steps would be necessary for us to retain confidence in our ongoing fellowship together.

After some discussion, a review was commissioned by the church in January 2026. However, after careful consideration, the Trust Board concluded that the review did not meet the criteria requested and did not provide sufficient independent assurance in relation to governance, and the handling of concerns. In particular, the review was undertaken without FIEC involvement in the appointment of reviewers and did not include engagement with those who had raised concerns. Under the circumstances, the Trust Board unanimously voted to proceed with the constitutional process for disaffiliation. 

Resignation

The FIEC constitution permits any church subject to disaffiliation proceedings to make representations to the Trust Board. The leadership of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church asked for a meeting at which such representations could be made. That was arranged for 14 April 2026. At that meeting, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church explained their perspective on the overall process. At the end of the meeting, the church informed the Trust Board of its decision to resign from the Fellowship with immediate effect. 

Fellowship and accountability

FIEC is a voluntary fellowship of independent churches. While we do not exercise ecclesiastical authority over local congregations, affiliation carries a measure of mutual accountability. This includes a shared commitment to ensuring that serious concerns are addressed in ways that are proportionate, transparent, and fair. 

Where sufficient assurance cannot be established, continued affiliation is not possible

Conclusion

We recognise that this has been a difficult and painful situation for all involved. We pray for the church, its leaders, and its members at this time. 

We also continue to emphasise the importance of processes that enable concerns to be raised and addressed appropriately, for the good of churches and those they serve. 

Ian MacMichael 
Chair, FIEC Trust Board