Gloriavale Christian Community

Members of Gloriavale

• Four members claimed to have been physically abused (source)

• Women who broke the rules were allegedly called "sluts" and "whores" (source)

• Members were allegedly "coerced" into giving all their assets to the community, and bank accounts were reportedly set up in the names of members without their consent (source)

• In response to allegations, the community told members that "anti-smacking laws apply inside the community," and ten families attended a 10-week training course that outlines these laws. They also announced that they would improve their procedures around receiving assets from members, which include ensuring that a lawyer is present to explain the implications of signing the document (source)

• In 2019, 35 former members signed a letter alleging "physical, emotional and spiritual abuse, as well as pressure for members to lie to Government agencies" (source)

• The community was investigated in 2017 and 2020 for unethical work practices, namely for allegations of 20+ hour workdays and fatigue in the workplace. Investigators later announced that they found "no evidence" to support the allegations, although they told the community to "improve work practices" (source)

• In 2021, trustees launched an independent investigation into abuse allegations in the community (source)

• Former members are shunned and are not able to communicate with families that are still in the community (source)

• Members claim to be threatened with separation from family if they are disobedient (source)

Ted Talk from a former member alleging abuse

Exposé on the community Part 1

Exposé on the community Part 2