A New Zealand fundamentalist church is under the spotlight in Gloriavale.
The Christian community, located at Haupiri, north-west of Christchurch, is home to about 600 people from 70 families. Neville Cooper, who changed his name to Hopeful Christian, founded it in 1969. It stands accused of using slave labour and exploiting women and children. The women are seen dressed in long blue dresses with white bonnets. The doco pushes the point that everyone is subject to the say-so of the church leaders. The women have to adhere to the wishes of men and are workhorses.
A court case is mounted by a man called John Ready who was ex-communicated by the church after reading religious material that wasn’t produced by Gloriavale. John was born inside the compound and left behind his wife and children. He’s been traumatised by his experience. His sister Virginia Courage was also brought up inside Gloriavale but left. They tells of what they encountered. It appears women are required to procreate and have large families. Living conditions are less than ideal.
The documentary includes interviews with two barristers, a human rights investigator, a former police detective and the manager of a grievance organisation. Vision includes historic and often ropey home video. We learn that when someone joins Gloriavale they give up their individual assets in favour of the Christian community. Gloriavale set up a charitable trust that is apparently worth more than $60 million. It owns farms, cattle, a honey business and is involved in oil well exploration. Some members of the church, including its founder, have been found guilty of sexual offences.
Later we are introduced to John and Virginia’s mother, who is still a member of the church and gave birth to 13 children and has 75 grandchildren. Some of her experiences are laid bare. One court case leads to another and as the documentary ends legal action continues.
Gloriavale was written and is co-directed by Noel Smyth (alongside Fergus Grady). The pair last collaborated on another doco titled Camino Skies. While the negative perception of the church is highlighted and several elements regarding the goings on inside are introduced, this documentary tends to meander. The lack of finality is also a concern even though the film mounts a strong case. I got the feeling that that church will do all it can to fight any legal action brought against it. This is not the first cult-like organisation that has faced scrutiny and I dare say it won’t be the last.
Gloriavale certainly shines a light on this secretive New Zealand community, which in recent times has received significant media coverage. Still, quite frankly I would have liked to have seen even greater clarity and direction, and more specificity than what I saw.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.