South Canterbury is home to about 75 former Gloriavale leaversFamilies fleeing Gloriavale have been making their way to South Canterbury for the past seven years. What is it about the rural community on the South Island's east coast that has attracted the former religious community members to live there? Most have very little money, and few possessions, and no idea of the life they are about to step into but for the past seven years about 75 former Gloriavale members have settled in South Canterbury. Lineham said the way Gloriavale members dressed was what kept the public "endlessly fascinated" with them. He changed his name to Hopeful Christian some time after setting up Gloriavale Christian Community - named after his first wife Gloria - in 1969 in North Canterbury.

Source: Stuff January 29, 2020 20:15 UTC