Religious Cult in NZ - Cooperite religious Commune

Wonderful on the outside Treacherous on the inside....! Cults have millions of members around the world who also thought they were immune.
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David McCarthy
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Religious Cult in NZ - Cooperite religious Commune

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Neville Cooper a religious cult leader / sexual predator, founder of the 'Cooperite religious sect NZ' had previously been charged with sexual abuse in 1994 and sentenced to five years but only spent 11 months in jail. Shutdown in Australia now setup shop in NZ.
There is a local cult near where I live called 'The Brethren' a fundamentalist Christian Sect.
'As a side note'...
Soon after we arrived back in NZ my daughter came home from School upset and asked me why the parents of her new friend forbade bringing her home to play unless she was a Brethren... :-?
'The Brethren' are fundamentalist Christians who shun the world...including children :sad:

David
Members of the Gloriavale Christian Community based at Haupiri 50km from Greymouth Photo Mark Mitchell.jpg
Behind the doors of New Zealand cult Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri | Daily Mail Online 11 March 2015
Behind the barricaded doors of a Christian cult: Forced to wear uniforms all day, no birth control and total isolation from the 'evil' world outside... and the family of FOURTEEN who escaped
A family of 14 walked out of a remote community declaring they had been living in a 'false system'
Many of the children were born in the Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri, on New Zealand's west coast
But the family moved 200 miles away to live with a 'normal' family as they begin reintegrating into society
The adults have forsaken their nun-like headdresses and white bibs to put on everyday clothes
The children have removed their hooded hats and blue uniforms
The community, founded in 1969 and which now has 500 members, is headed by Neville Cooper
It has been revealed that he was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in jail

It was a lifestyle that promised peace, love and seclusion from the wickedness of the 'outside world' - but this week a family of 14 walked out of a remote community declaring they had been living in a 'false system'.
The family, many of whose children were born in the Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri - on New Zealand's west coast - have moved 200 miles away to live with a 'normal' family as they begin reintegrating into society, the New Zealand Herald reports.
Gloriavale, which was established about 45 years ago, does not condone the use of birth control and it is common for a married couple to have 12 or more children.

The population of the cult is said to be still flourishing - despite several large disillusioned families leaving in recent years - because there is no birth control
'It's a huge deal for them to stop wearing their community clothes and so they are going to transition slowly,' Liz Gregory, who has offered the family of 14 her home, told the New Zealand Herald on Wednesday.
The adults have forsaken their nun-like headdresses and white bibs to put on everyday clothes, while the children have removed their hooded hats and blue uniforms.
When it was revealed that the large family had walked out - following other groups who have left in recent years - donations of money, clothes, furniture, toys and books, began to pour in to help them get back on their feet.
The father, identified only as James, who managed the commune's self-sufficient dairy farm for 20 years, is now looking for a job.
The community, founded in 1969 and which now has 500 members, is headed by Neville Cooper, known to the families as 'Hopeful Christian'.
But it has been revealed that he was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in jail.

One young couple were married after just six weeks of courtship.
Their website states the couple 'make vows to God and each other before the Church, for no preacher can "marry" them'.
The marriage procedure is as follows: 'Then they go to a private place pleasantly prepared for love-making. As they consummate their marriage before God, He joins them together in a bond that only death can break.'
'They return as a married couple to a wedding feast with the rest of the Church.'
The cult has several sources of income which includes dairy farming and deer farming.
Gloriavale consider home births to be significant events with about 35 babies born each year, according to their website.

Speaking of the family of 14 who have recently walked out, Ms Gregory said they had 'come to believe they were in a false system and have left 500 of their family and friends (the only ones they've every known.'
She added: 'They are hugely courageous…they are very excited about starting life out here.
'They are feeling blessed, but are aware of the road ahead of them.'
Ms Gregory told the Herald that the family, who do not want to make any public comment, was in great spirits 'which is incredible, because what they have done (walking out) is massive.'
A former member, Phil Cooper - who is the son of leader Neville 'Hopeful Christian' Cooper - told the Greymouth Star last year that he knew of two or three families that have left in recent times.

The community is headed by Neville Cooper, known to the families as 'Hopeful Christian'
He said that young people growing up at Gloriavale were cut off from the outside world and when they left they were not allowed to keep in touch with those left inside the community.
This, he told the paper, had left people 'devastated' because of the emotional pain of people not being able to see their own mother again.
Young people who had grown up at Gloriavale 'don't know anything else,' he said.
'My kids (living on the 'outside') have strong faith - they chose that. But (Gloriavale children) know nothing else.'
Peter Righteous, spokesman for the Gloriavale Christian Community, told the New Zealand Herald that they did not comment on people who had walked out.
'We haven't got time to be caught up in a lot of nonsense,' he said. 'We have a life we must live before the Lord.
'If people do not want to live an unselfish life of service to the Lord, it's up to them. They can do as they wish.'

Behind the doors of New Zealand cult Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri | Daily Mail Online 11 March 2015

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ntrol.html
Family of 14 walks out on Gloriavale religious commune NZ Herald News
4:22 PM Wednesday Mar 11, 2015

A family of 14 have walked out on a West Coast religious commune to start a new life after concluding they had been living in a "false system".
The family left cut-off Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri at the weekend.
They are staying with a family 300km away in Timaru and setting about reintegrating into society.

"It's a huge deal for them to stop wearing their community clothes and so they are going to transition slowly," said Liz Gregory, who is putting up the family.

When word of their bold move went around the South Canterbury town on Monday, donations soon began flooding in.
The family are said to have been "blown away" by the generosity of the local community after being gifted clothes, furniture, household goods, books and toys.
Two days ago, Mrs Gregory appealed on her Facebook page - which has since been deleted - for donations to help the family get back on their feet.
The team set up to help the family - known online as the Ben Canaan family - are no longer seeking donations after the massive response.
Supporters are no longer going ahead with plans for a Givealittle fundraising campaign.
However, the father James, who managed Gloriavale's self-sufficient dairy farm for 20 years, is seeking a job. The family also need a vehicle, said a spokeswoman who is helping them.

She said the family was "not interested" in speaking to the media today.
The reclusive Gloriavale Christian community, which currently has more than 500 members, was founded in 1969.
It relocated from its original site at Cust near Rangiora, where it was known as the Springbank Christian Community, to Haupiri on the West Coast in 1991.
But it has attracted much controversy over the years, particularly through its leader Neville Cooper, also known as Hopeful Christian, who was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in prison.

There have been reports of several large families leaving the settlement in recent years.
However, with no birth control, the population is said to be still flourishing.
"This family came to believe that they were in a false system and have left 500 of their family and friends (the only ones they've ever known)," Mrs Gregory said.
"Hugely courageous ... they are very excited about starting life out here.
"They are feeling blessed, but are aware of the road ahead of them.

"The family are in great spirits, which is incredible, because what they have done is massive.
"There have been a couple of other small families leave in the past year, and it's a tough road ahead, but this is a great community."

James and Hope Ben Canaan today thanked the Marchwiel Reformed Baptist Church and wider Timaru community for helping them reintegrate back into society.
"It's been quite overwhelming and we offer our sincere thanks to everyone involved," said a statement released by the family.
"At this time we are requesting privacy so that we can settle into our new lives."

Family of 14 walks out on Gloriavale religious commune - National - NZ Herald News
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=11415552

Related info and Videos:

In God's Name - Cult Part 1 of 2 - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IWXC6fqHZI

Religious cult leader has previously been charged with sexual abuse, is again leading the flock.
In God's Name - Cult Part 2 of 2 - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0318Wmd7cEU

Gloriavale // Directed by Cody Packer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhzHlEt0fAo

Exclusive Brethren - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_Brethren
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David McCarthy
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Re: Religious Cult in NZ - Cooperite religious Commune

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Gloriavale religious commune: 'No one is here against their will' NZ Herald News Thursday Mar 12, 2015

Gloriavale Christian Community has responded to accusations by a family that walked out at the weekend claiming they were living in a "false system", by saying that "no one is here against their will".

James and Hope Ben Canaan and their 12 children left the Haupiri religious commune at the weekend.
They are now staying with a family 300km away in Timaru and setting about reintegrating into society.
Today, Gloriavale said it was "entirely their choice" to leave.

"If they want to go and live in Timaru, well, that's their choice and that's what they need to do. No one is here against their will. We only want people who want to be here," said Fervent Stedfast, a community brother who's been a Cooperite since 1970.
"We're here simply and entirely because we want to be here.
"If you decide to change your house, or change your religion or job, that is your choice, and you do it. Somehow or other when we do that... it puts us in the news."
Brother Stedfast wouldn't discuss details of what led to the Ben Canaan's sudden departure.

The family arrived in Timaru at the weekend.
When word of their bold move went around the South Canterbury town on Monday, donations soon began flooding in.
The family are said to have been "blown away" by the generosity of the local community after being gifted clothes, furniture, household goods, books and toys.
Supporters are no longer going ahead with plans for a Givealittle fundraising campaign.
However, Mr Ben Canaan, who managed Gloriavale's self-sufficient dairy farm for 20 years, is seeking a job.

Liz Gregory, who is putting up the family, said the family have been "hugely courageous".
"This family came to believe that they were in a false system and have left 500 of their family and friends - the only ones they've ever known," she said.
"They are feeling blessed, but are aware of the road ahead of them.
"It's a huge deal for them to stop wearing their community clothes and so they are going to transition slowly."

Neville Cooper, founder of the Cooperite religious sect. Photo / TVNZ
The Ben Canaans today thanked the Marchwiel Reformed Baptist Church and wider Timaru community for helping them reintegrate back into society.

"It's been quite overwhelming and we offer our sincere thanks to everyone involved," said a statement released by the family.

"At this time we are requesting privacy so that we can settle into our new lives."
The reclusive Gloriavale Christian community, which currently has more than 500 members, was founded in 1969.
It relocated from its original site at Cust near Rangiora, where it was known as the Springbank Christian Community, to Haupiri on the West Coast in 1991.
But it has attracted much controversy over the years, particularly through its leader Neville Cooper, also known as Hopeful Christian, who was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in prison.
There have been reports of several large families leaving the settlement in recent years.
However, with no birth control, the population is said to be still flourishing.

Gloriavale religious commune: 'No one is here against their will' - National - NZ Herald News Thursday Mar 12, 2015
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=11416008
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Gloriavale 'needs to be shut down' as secretive sect goes on the defensive - National News | TVNZ
Concerned Kiwis are calling for the Government to intervene and shut down the Gloriavale "cult", as a former member says the religious sect will now be in "defence" mode to protect their way of life.

Yesterday, police called for residents of the West Coast Christian commune to reveal their experiences in light of new allegations by ex-community members of brainwashing, physical punishment and sexual abuse against girls as young as 12.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/gloriav ... ve-6303712
Going into Gloriavale: TVNZ reporter asked why he isn't married - One News | TVNZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/going-i ... ed-6304316
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David McCarthy
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Re: Religious Cult in NZ - Cooperite religious Commune

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meanwhile back in NZ....
Monday Jun 1, 2015
The woman who put Gloriavale sect leader Hopeful Christian in prison says he is no man of God and has labelled him a "pervert".

Yvette Olsen this month applied through the courts to have her name suppression lifted and last night spoke to TVNZ's Sunday programme about how Christian, previously known as Neville Cooper, sexually assaulted her on three occasions.
The assaults happened in 1984, when she was 19.
Nine years after Ms Olsen left the Springbank Christian Community - the predecessor to Gloriavale, which was based in Cust, North Canterbury, and led by Christian - she testified against him in court, which led to his being sentenced to five years in jail, of which he served 11 months.

Christian's son, Phil Cooper, also testified against the man, who moved to New Zealand from Australia with his wife and 11 siblings in 1967.
Last night, Ms Olsen called Christian a corrupt man of "unbridled lust", "lies" and "absolute power".
"My God, he was the leader of a cult, he was a dirty old man."

A year after the assaults, Ms Olsen left the community on foot with her husband and their baby daughter - walking almost 20km from Cust to Rangiora.
Ms Olsen said she was inspired to speak to media after her brother's 22-year-old daughter, known only as Julia, spoke to Campbell Live in April about being the victim of a "wrong relationship" with an adult married man when she was a child.

Julia, who left Gloriavale three years ago, said adults in the community had relationships with minors.
"They don't like it to be looked at as a sexual relationship, but no matter what relationship you have with someone younger than you, or anybody, it can turn wrong over time," she told Campbell Live.

Police said a "number of calls" have been received after a number - 0800 400 800 FREE - was set up for former and current Gloriavale members.
Ms Olsen said Christian had tried to break her spirit, and had forced her to call herself a "harlot" after she became involved, aged 16, with a 14-year-old boy at Gloriavale.

"He didn't have the right to do what he did to me and he's no man of God," she said of Christian.
"Perverts don't stop being perverts overnight. Leopards don't change their spots," Ms Olsen said.

When the Herald contacted Gloriavale last night, community member Peter Righteous said he had not seen Sunday so couldn't comment on the television programme.
"We haven't seen it - nobody here has seen it. We've been in a meeting all night so we haven't seen the show.
"There'll probably be one or two who will watch it on demand tomorrow [today] but I don't know who that'll be."
He said no one in the community would speak to the media about Christian's conviction or Ms Olsen's comments: "We don't comment on issues of this kind of personal nature, where people make accusations against us."

- NZ Herald

Sect leader labelled 'a pervert' - National - NZ Herald News
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=11457717
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