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 and, while no formal complaint has been laid, the university decided it needed to take action.

He said the members have no reason to be on the campus and students should be able to walk around campus without feeling harassed. Continue reading and Read More about Victory Christian Church

More than half a dozen people with connections to the Palmerston North Victory Church have come forward following a story linking the parish with a "cult-like" religious movement in the United States. Continue reading

One of the founding members of a Palmerston North parish he knew something was awry but was unable to speak out. Continue reading

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