An offshoot of a “cult-like” American church present in Palmerston North has former members fearing for those still involved.
Palmerston North’s Victory Christian Church is one of seven international branches of the Faith Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona, which former parishioners have raised concerns about.
The University of Arizona is investigating the church’s on-campus dealings after more than 20 people, including past members, parents and staff, spoke out about what they called the group’s excessive control over student members, manipulation, spiritual abuse and “cult-like” behaviours.
Sources connected to the New Zealand arm of the religious group say they have concerns about the Palmerston North church, but the pentecostal organisation that provides oversight says the congregation is a devoted group dedicated to “living right”. Continue reading