1News: Court hears secret recording made by former Gloriavale leader

by Ryan Boswell | 1News |

A former Gloriavale leader was accused of “following the spirit of the devil” when raising concerns about sexual offending.

Zion Pilgrim is giving evidence at the Employment Court, which is deciding whether women commune members are employees or volunteers.

He was a servant and managing a number of Gloriavale companies when he drafted a letter to the leadership team about a police investigation into abuse.

Pilgrim said Operation Minneapolis revealed sexual offending had been taking place, and so he wrote a “heartfelt plea” with ideas for positive change.

The court heard a recording that Zion Pilgrim made during a meeting with his wife and son, and the leadership team.

Overseeing shepherd Howard Temple rejected the letter, and said the family could only stay at Gloriavale if they went back on everything they’d written.

Further reading: Court hears secret recording made by former Gloriavale leader