Woman says Gloriavale leader Howard Temple inappropriately touched her, asked her about sex life
The head of Gloriavale Christian Community, Howard Temple, has gone on trial facing 24 charges of indecent assault, with all charges relating to alleged offending against women inside the reclusive West Coast religious sect.
The prosecution told the Greymouth District Court on Monday the offending spans 25 years and involves nine complainants, who were aged between 9 and 20 at the time. All of the women have permanent name suppression.
The Crown alleges Temple, 85, used his leadership position to inappropriately touch women and girls as part of day-to-day interactions within the community.
One complainant has given evidence on day one of the trial, describing alleged inappropriate touching by Temple. She said after she got married, Temple asked her how her sex life was going and whether she had tried different positions. She also said Temple told her oral sex was acceptable and “not against the Bible”.
She told the court that the Gloriavale leaders, including Temple, wielded immense power and influence over their lives, with the ability to change the course of their future within the community.
Temple has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and his defence team strongly rejected the allegations, saying the actions were not sexually motivated. They argued Temple’s comments and behaviour were part of his role as a pastoral figure offering guidance within the religious group.
The court heard Temple is “saddened” that his conduct has been interpreted as anything other than care.
The trial is expected to last several weeks.