RNZ: Gloriavale leader’s granddaughter denies claims of inappropriate behaviour

By Jean Edwards | RNZ |

Gloriavale’s Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple is respectful of girls and does not have a reputation for inappropriate behaviour, his granddaughter says.

Joanna Courage, 23, has told the Employment Court she feels safe at the West Coast Christian commune and does not get preferential treatment because of her grandfather.

Former Gloriavale women have testified about unwanted attention and abuse at the religious sect in a case brought by six leavers seeking a ruling they were employees not volunteers.

Courage told the court it was wrong to claim all Gloriavale’s single girls had been targeted.

Further reading: Gloriavale leader’s granddaughter denies claims of inappropriate behaviour