When Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff was browsing Twitter, it was the radiant smile of Joy Morgan in a missing person poster shared by Hertfordshire Police that captured her attention. At the time, Charlie, who held the position of editor-in-chief at Gal Dem, expressed how Joy’s picture resonated with her, noting the resemblance Joy had to someone from Gal Dem.
Joy Morgan, a 20-year-old student, went missing in 2018 after joining a controversial church called Israel United in Christ (IUIC). Tragically, Joy’s remains were found in woodland in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on October 5, 2019, two months after Shofah-El Israel, a married man, was sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder.
In response to Joy’s disappearance, the IUIC informed the BBC in 2019 that they initially believed Joy had voluntarily left the church or sought time away, without being in danger. The church distanced itself from Israel, emphasizing that it does not address criticisms or accusations from former members.
Regarding the incident, the church stated that Israel’s actions during the investigation and trial were shameful and not in alignment with their principles. They reiterated their commitment to member safety and implementing enhanced safety measures.
The church classified the tragedy as an isolated event, asserting that they strive to comply with both legal and moral standards. Despite this, questions and speculation persisted around the circumstances of Joy’s demise, as an inquest failed to determine the exact cause of death.
A recent report from Missing People highlighted disparities in missing person cases, showing that Black adults were more likely to be reported missing for extended periods compared to their White counterparts. The report also revealed that individuals from Black and Asian communities faced challenges in police searches and risk assessments compared to White individuals.
Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, an accomplished writer and editor, embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding Joy’s case. Through The Missing Sister Podcast, she delves into the details of Joy’s disappearance and demise, shedding light on previously unheard accounts from Joy’s inner circle.
In her pursuit for answers, Charlie journeyed to the United States to delve into the origins of IUIC. She sought to confront Bishop Nathanyel Ben Israel, a former NYPD detective and head of the church, regarding Joy’s tragic fate.
The IUIC’s French division recently faced dissolution in France due to allegations of misogyny, homophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and racism. The organization, linked to the Hebrew Israelite movement, advocates for a separatist lifestyle and promotes the belief that certain ethnic groups are descendants of biblical Israelites.
Charlie’s investigative endeavors have not only enriched her understanding of the IUIC but also underscored the importance of shedding light on such organizations. Her collaboration with The Mirror’s Missed campaign underscores her commitment to advocating for improved safeguards for missing individuals.
Through her work, Charlie aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with groups like IUIC and to honor Joy’s memory through thorough investigative journalism. The Missing Sister podcast, now available exclusively on Wondery+, serves as a platform to share Joy’s story and highlight the importance of seeking justice for victims of tragic circumstances.