Archbishop Michael Byrnes issued pastoral letter last month asking the Neocatechumenal Way to put a one-year pause on the formation of its new communities on Guam. He also asked them to celebrate Mass in accordance with the Catholic Church’s general instructions and norms. Byrnes said he intends to appoint a priest delegate to review the Read more
Churches in New Zealand are being warned of a South Korean-linked group accused of being a religious cult that infiltrates churches and uses “real deceit” to recruit members. The group is know as Shincheonji, or the “New Heaven and New Earth” Shincheonji members are alleged to have visited church congregations and student groups in universities Read more
Last month the Church of Scientology opened a new headquarters in Auckland. The premises at 136 Grafton Road is housed in one of Auckland’s landmark heritage buildings – the red-brick former Whitecliffe Art College. The international leader David Miscavige mingled with the hundreds of attendees. They included local followers as well as curious members of Read more
The Exclusive Brethren has asked its members to pray for the Inland revenue department (IRD) after a breakthrough settlement in a tax dispute. In a prayer agenda, the Exclusive Brethren church told its 45,000 worldwide members it had received a “favourable settlement” in a dispute over schools’ fees. “Outcome – NZ IRD matter – a Read more
On Sunday February 14 TVNZ’s Sunday programme featured an interview with Maria Hall. Hall was described as an ex-nun. After spending 8 years as a member of the Palmarian Catholic Church she suffered a mental breakdown and walked away. “I probably had to lose my mind in order to lose my faith,” Maria Hall told the Sunday Read more
A trust owned by Destiny Church members has purchased a $2 million rural property in Clevedon, south west of Auckland. It appears church leaders Bishop Brian Tamaki and his wife Hannah may be building on the property. Hannah Tamaki has been posting to social media about the spot, saying she had taken her parents “to have Read more
Reports from Fiji are confusing but it appears that up 60 people have been charged with sedition in three separate cases. Twelve people from Nadroga-Navosa were scheduled to appear in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court on Monday morning but were later informed that the case will be heard in Nadi. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Read more
Gloriavale’s leaders have been told government funding for its three early childhood centres – which topped $2.4 million over a year – is likely to be at risk. Gloriavale could lose its funding because it is opposed to identification numbers for preschoolers. “Gloriavale … disagree with the use of a student number for their children,” said Read more
Destiny Church is circulating images of wads of cash and the Twitter hashtag “#iwannagive” to followers before its annual conference. Hundreds are expected to attend next weekend’s conference at the church’s “City of God” headquarters in South Auckland. On Friday, Tamaki tweeted to his 3344 followers a photo of wads of freshly minted $100 notes, Read more
Massey university wants to ban church members who harass students on campus. It is finalising trespass orders against nine members of the Victory Christian Church, a Pentecostal church that has a subsidiary branch called New Zealand Campus Ministries Trust. University spokesperson James Gardiner said concerns over the members’ behaviour have been raised over several years Read more