RNZ: Gloriavale court case: School principal says leaders didn’t control their lives

By Niva Chittock | RNZ |

The Gloriavale school principal says the Christian community and her way of life are being attacked by those who have chosen to leave.

Gloriavale’s leaders began their defence today in Employment Court in Christchurch, where six former members are seeking the ruling they were employees, not volunteers, while in the community.

Gloriavale Christian School principal Rachel Stedfast rejected former members’ claims Gloriavale’s leaders controlled every aspect of their lives.

“People who have left think that they can speak for us. I believe that those still living at Gloriavale should be able to speak for themselves and be heard,” Steadfast said.

“The leaders wouldn’t even have a clue about the details of my life. They don’t control when I have a drink or what underwear I wear, whether I choose to have dinner down at the garden, or on my veranda or in the lounge room.”

Yesterday, former member John Ready – whose sister is among the plaintiffs – told the court Gloriavale was a “society with one over-bearing emperor who rules over everyone and has access to the whole community”.

Further reading and audio link: School principal says leaders didn’t control their lives