Former members of a Palmerston North parish were told they would be “cursed by God” if they didn’t give money to the church, even if they weren’t in a financial position to do so. More than half a dozen people with connections to the Palmerston North Victory Church have come forward following a story linking Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Cults’
‘Cult-like’ church sparks concern
Tuesday, March 17th, 2015An 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 Read more
Family of 14 leave West Coast’s Gloriavale commune
Friday, March 13th, 2015
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 Read more
- Gloriavale - a world apart http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11300893 Families leave Gloriavale Christian Community
- Gloriavale leader's daughter on life outside the commune - TV3 Interview
- Will Gloriavale's West Coast commune survive?
- Gloriavale religious commune: 'No one is here against their will'
New Church in Kapiti is also a business venture
Friday, February 13th, 2015
The founder of a new church on the Kapiti Coast says the church is a business that has to create its own path. “It cannot rely on parishioners … times are difficult. The church has to look at other ways to ensure its financial viability – do not underestimate the Christian dollar,” says Kerupi Tavita. Read more
Judge limits children’s exposure to mum’s Jehovah’s Witness faith
Friday, December 19th, 2014
A judge has stopped two children, whose parents have separated, from attending Jehovah’s Witness meetings or church activities. After their separation in 2010, the mother became an adherent of the Jehovah Witness faith. Without the father’s knowledge, she introduced the children, then aged 4 and 6, to the religion. Justice Brendan Brown said his ruling Read more
Destiny’s sweet-smelling fragrance that is acceptable to God
Tuesday, December 9th, 2014
Bishop Brian Tamaki tweeted: “A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance that is Acceptable to God (Phil 4:15-19). My God shall supply all your need”, after church members last weekend showered the stage with high-denomination bills during a church service, boosting church coffers by $100,000. Destiny Church-affiliated charities received nearly $6million in donations in the last year after self-appointed Bishop Read more
Cash-covered Destiny stage draws barbs
Friday, December 5th, 2014Thousands of dollars strewn across the stage at Destiny Church has drawn the ire of critics on social media. Photos tweeted by Bishop Brian Tamaki show a floor littered with $50 and $100 bills accompanied with the verse, “A Sweet Smelling Fragrance that is Acceptable to God (Phil 4:15-19) My God shall Supply all your Read more
False Christs popping up all over the place
Tuesday, October 28th, 2014A number of false Christs have been appearing worldwide. While many are following these self-proclaimed Messiahs, some are speaking out against their cults, being mindful of Christ’s words in Matthew 24:5, “For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ,’ and shall deceive many.” Read more
‘Miracle’ church pedals janola cure
Tuesday, October 21st, 2014An American church with links to the Church of Scientology will be heading to Ngatea next month to promote the use of a cure containing the same ingredients as industrial bleach. The founder of Genesis Church II – Church of Health and Healing, Jim Humble, former member of the Church of Scientology, published a book Read more
Destiny charities slow to file annual returns
Tuesday, October 7th, 2014Destiny Church has been issued overdue notices after 14 affiliated charities are late filing their annual returns. The church’s tax-exempt status is under the microscope after the late filing. Previous returns from the charities totalled several million dollars. Six Destiny charities, which received a combined $5.5m in donations in the most recent returns, are more Read more