Gloriavale mother-of-7 accuses former members of misleading, exaggerated claims about the commune

By Jean Edwards | RNZ |

A Gloriavale mother-of-seven has denied working under the whip of its leaders and accused former members of making misleading and exaggerated claims about life at the West Coast commune.

Priscilla Stedfast has told an Employment Court hearing her husband did not rule over her like a slave and the concept of some kind of child labour force at Gloriavale was ridiculous.

Six former Gloriavale women – Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage – are seeking a ruling they were employees, not volunteers, living in slave-like conditions at the Christian community.

Stedfast – who is Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian’s granddaughter – said she was devoted to working for her family and friends and the leavers’ claims were false.

“I work for them and God and I do not expect to be paid for my work, that is not why I live the sharing life,” she said.

“I am not an employee and have never intended to be.”

Further reading: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484177/gloriavale-mother-of-7-accuses-former-members-of-misleading-exaggerated-claims-about-the-commune