Gloriavale leavers ‘twisted details’ about the commune, member tells court

Gloriavale leavers ‘twisted details’ about the commune, member tells court
By Jean Edwards | RNZ |

A Gloriavale father-of-nine has accused leavers of twisting details about the sect to paint a dark, sensationalised picture of life at the Christian commune.

David Stedfast told an Employment Court hearing members had freedom of choice and denied portraying an idealistic, utopian view of Gloriavale, which has previously apologised for failing to protect victims of labour exploitation and sexual abuse.

He was giving evidence in a case brought by six former Gloriavale women, before former Christian School principal and defendant Faithful Pilgrim took the stand late on Wednesday afternoon.

Stedfast is the son of long-time Shepherd and financial controller Fervant Stedfast and is married to current school principal Rachel Stedfast.

Further reading: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484289/gloriavale-leavers-twisted-details-about-the-commune-member-tells-court