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Pilgrim was born in Gloriavale and is trusted within the community. But a 14-page letter he wrote to leader Howard Temple made his position within the Christian group untenable, said Liz Gregory of the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust.
“Anyone who writes a letter like that and gives it to the leaders is effectively giving up their rights to live in that community,” Gregory said.
The letter Pilgrim wrote is one of love, openly critical and seeking change, and strikes the heart of Gloriavale’s purpose.
“We have serious concerns about some of the fundamental ways of thinking and behaving here that we believe are not in keeping with God’s word,” the letter said.
Laidlaw Theological College national director Roshan Allpress said it’s a “pretty meaningful” way to start a letter.
“Basically asking the question, is this a Church that can still be called Christian,” Allpress said.
Pilgrim titled his letter, “What is the fruit of Gloriavale.”
“There are also some very worrying fruits that cannot be ignored; the problems of sexual immorality and the preeminence of sin, pride, lack of love,” he wrote.
Allpress said the reference to sexual immorality is difficult to decipher.
“Sexual immorality in this context could mean anything from inappropriate thoughts to quite significant behavior, even serious,” he said.
“It can mean looking lustfully. It could mean a lot worse.”
Pilgrim was unavailable for an interview with Newshub, but left Gloriavale with his wife and took their 12 children south to Canterbury.
Newshub understands that after writing the letter, Pilgrim received an ultimatum: give the leaders a full commitment or leave.
Newshub has reached out to Gloriavale for comment.
Gregory said there is an overriding theme in the stories of those who broke away from the group.
“We hear from many people who have lived there, and people who still live there, about sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse due to neglect,” he said.
The letter talks about having to “obey what the leaders say” even if it is wrong, and says that “there must be mutual responsibility.”
Pilgrim took a stand against the leadership. It appears that he was rejected, forcing him and his family to leave.
Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust is helping raise funds for departing Gloriavale residents and is holding various public speaking events beginning this Thursday.
