Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending

By Anna Leask | NZ Herald |

A Gloriavale father of 13 once convicted of beating two of his young daughters with shoes, carpentry tools, coat hangers and belts has turned on the community’s leaders, telling the court that sexual abuse, bullying and forced labour are prevalent within the sect.

And he says he was “impotent” to do anything about it – even though he raised issues and concerns repeatedly with Gloriavale leaders.

Clem Ready is giving evidence in the Employment Court in a case taken against Gloriavale by a number of leavers including his daughter and granddaughter.

His wife Sharon, a Gloriavale member since its inception, also spoke in court today.

Further reading and video link: Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending