RNZ: Gloriavale leaders lied about aunt’s death – former member

By Jean Edwards – RNZ – 10/09/2022

This story discusses graphic details of abuse.

Gloriavale leaders claimed God must have blessed the food that killed Prayer Ready in an isolation room at the Christian commune and lied about the circumstances surrounding her choking death, a former member says.

Anna Courage told an Employment Court hearing the death of her 14-year-old aunty in 2015 was a turning point in the life of her entire family.

She said a leader claimed in high school prayer time that Prayer’s death was part of God’s plan.

“It was bad enough that she had died, but then the leaders lied to every single person about her and about the events around her death,” she said.

“Then they said that God must have blessed the food that killed her because everything is God’s plan.”

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