The recent revelations regarding Constance Marten’s past have been highly controversial, especially surrounding her time at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). Under the notorious preacher TB Joshua, known for his alleged instances of sexual and physical abuse, Marten reportedly endured a distressing experience that a close associate described as “a place of torture.” This investigation comes in light of Marten’s guilty verdict for gross negligence manslaughter related to the tragic death of her baby, Victoria.
Marten, 38, is notably recognized as a member of an aristocratic family with royal ties. At just 19 years old, she joined SCOAN in Nigeria, driven there by her mother, Virginie De Selliers. The church, championed by TB Joshua, has drawn international attention not only for its purported miracles but also for the grave allegations it faces regarding its management practices and treatment of disciples. This included reports of abuse spanning nearly two decades, ultimately culminating in an investigation that issued serious allegations of rape and coercion of young women.
A fellow disciple of Marten, identified only as Angie, provided an insider’s perspective to the BBC, describing the environment at SCOAN as rife with psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Angie, who shared a dormitory with Marten, poignantly stated that the church led to profound distrust in institutional systems and alluded to how Marten’s experiences at SCOAN had deeply impacted her life and relationships afterward.
The church itself has dismissed allegations against Joshua as unsubstantiated, insisting that such claims were unfounded. Nevertheless, many former disciples have stepped forward, alleging an entrenched culture of abuse, manipulation, and coercion, painting a murky picture of the church’s inner workings.
While Marten’s judgment came after multiple tragedies, former contacts like Angie have expressed concern for her emotional well-being. Following her departure from SCOAN, Marten attempted to reconstruct her life, earning a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies from Leeds University. However, communications from her, shared with Angie, suggested she struggled significantly with her time in Nigeria, feeling unable to discuss her experiences due to fear of disbelief from those around her.
Marten’s guilt was further compounded by the verdict this week. Alongside her partner, Mark Gordon, they were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter regarding the care of their baby. A previous trial included charges of child cruelty and manipulation of justice, resulting in a portrait of two individuals entrenched in a toxic relationship whose negligence had dire consequences.
Financially, it has been suggested that even as Marten was experiencing trauma from her time in Nigeria, her familial support, particularly from her mother, continued to facilitate connections back to SCOAN, an action Angie highlights as potentially harmful and indicative of Marten’s fraught history with the church.
Fellow disciples recalled similar experiences of trauma at SCOAN but noted that while some were ensnared for a longer duration under Joshua’s influence, Marten’s brief stay caused long-lasting repercussions. Angie remarked on the tragic trajectory that has unfolded, advocating for Marten’s need for emotional and mental health support, lamenting that the church took her to a damaging place where she essentially lost a part of herself.
In summary, the inquiry into Constance Marten’s past has exposed a troubling narrative, intertwining with broader issues of church abuse, the psychological aftermath of such experiences, and the struggles of individuals attempting to navigate their complex realities in the aftermath of trauma. The case raises critical questions about accountability, the treatment of vulnerable individuals within religious organizations, and the societal implications of such systemic failures.
