Gloriavale leader issues public apology to community’s many victims for historic abuse
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Gloriavale’s leader has made a public apology for any “pain and suffering” experienced by its members.
He offered thanks to all members who have reported abuse to New Zealand’s authorities – acknowledging previous leaders breached their trust and did not keep them safe.
The apology was given at the community earlier today by Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple. A copy was then provided to the Herald.
“The church at Gloriavale acknowledges that the Royal Commission of Inquiry into historic Abuse in Care during the timeframe from 1950 to 1999 found that abuse happened in this church community,“ Temple said.
“We accept the Royal Commission’s recommendation to ensure the ongoing safety of people in our care.
“To the people of Gloriavale and those who were part of the community that experienced this abuse while amongst us, we write to you with profound sorrow, acknowledging the pain and suffering that has been experienced by victims and families while within our church group.
“We offer our deepest apologies that abuse had occurred in this time period. You were entitled to a safe and supportive environment, and we failed to provide that.”
Last year the Royal Commission found that Gloriavale leaders allowed physical and sexual abuse at the West Coast sect.
Content retrieved from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-leader-issues-public-apology-to-communitys-many-victims-for-historic-abuse/A6XZVOZXNRFK5ONNSVW7IS4AJA/.
