A family of 14 has left the West Coast’s Gloriavale Christian commune to make a new home in Timaru.
Last Monday, a Facebook post circulated with details of the family’s plight, asking people for donations of housing, food, money, clothes, household items and a vehicle.
The Facebook page has since been deleted.
“This family came to believe that they were in a false system and have left 500 of their family and friends (the only ones they’ve ever known). Hugely courageous. . . they are very excited about starting life out here.”
“They are feeling blessed – but are aware of the road ahead of them,” Timaru woman Liz Gregory wrote online.
The family of two adults and 12 children, known on Facebook as the Ben Canaan family, are staying with Gregory and her husband Graham.
The Gloriavale organisation has attracted controversy through the notoriety of its leader, Neville Cooper (known as Hopeful Christian), who was convicted of sexual assault in 1994.
Cooper was jailed for almost a year, and convicted on the testimony of his son and some young women who had fled the compound.
Located 3km south of Lake Haupiri on the West Coast, Gloriavale was set up in 1990 when its members relocated from Springbank Christian Community in North Canterbury.
The community of around 500 members operate a number of businesses on their large land holding surrounding their base.
Source
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