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The Superior Court has appointed attorneys to hear the stories of former and current Gloriavale members after a former resident brought civil proceedings against community leaders.
More than 600 people have left the West Coast Christian community in recent years, with some alleging mistreatment, lack of freedom, job problems, neglect, forced separation from families, and sexual and physical abuse.
Former resident John Ready has initiated civil court proceedings against Gloriavale leaders.
The court has sent a letter to anyone who has lived or still lives in Gloriavale.
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It says Ready has asked the Superior Court to examine the role, conduct and actions of the Supervising Pastor, the Pastors and others involved in the operation of Gloriavale and its assets as trustees.
The Christian Church Community Trust manages the operation of Gloriavale and its assets. Its trustees are Joshua Disciple, Samuel Valor, Enoch Upright, and Fervent Stedfast.
The trust also has three independent trustees: Greymouth attorney Colin Smith and Greymouth entrepreneurs David McMillan and David Smith.
Joe Johnson / Stuff
Former Gloriavale members and supporters protest outside Christchurch City Hall, ahead of the press leaders’ debate in October.
The letter, from the Wynn Williams law firm in Christchurch, says the proceedings seek the appointment of new trustees.
It says members can turn to the attorneys with any questions they have and for an independent explanation of what Superior Court proceedings are about.
“You have the right to speak, write or meet with these attorneys so that the court may consider your views on the Superior Court procedure in determining whether or not the current trustees should be replaced by an independent trustee.”
The letter also warns that anyone who prevents members from communicating with attorneys in any way could be held in contempt of court.
The Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust, in a letter to those who left, said Ready had asked the court to decide whether the trustees and pastors were the right people to continue running Gloriavale.
He requests the provisional removal of the management until the various issues are resolved in court.
“If successful, under interim trustees, we would expect the daily lives of the people within Gloriavale to improve,” reads the message of the trust.
“The new trustees will be required to ensure that the community complies with the requirements of New Zealand law, relating to employment, health and safety, education and human rights.”
The alumni trust expected an interim hearing to be held to appoint the Public Trust as trustees until the court made a final resolution, which could take up to three years.
“Desire is a significant and permanent change in Gloriavale, allowing people to be safe and have freedom of choice.”
TVNZ
Members of the Gloriavale Christian community on the West Coast, filmed by Seven Sharp.
