Ex-Gloriavale Member Believes Guilty Plea by Leader Howard Temple Won't Alter Community Dynamics

In a recent court development, Howard Temple, the overseeing shepherd of the Gloriavale Christian Community, pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including five of indecent assault, two of common assault, and five of doing an indecent act. The charges, which spanned a period from 1998 to 2022, involved nine complainants ranging in age from nine to 20 years old. The trial, which had previously seen Temple deny 24 counts of sexual offending, took a significant turn on Wednesday when he changed his plea.

A Surprising Shift in Plea

A former Gloriavale member, John Ready, expressed surprise at the change in Temple’s stance, noting that he had expected the leader to contest the charges until the very end. Ready described the strength of the testimonies as a key factor behind the plea. However, he also believes that the guilty plea will not significantly impact the community or its structure.

A Culture of Control and Silence

The testimonies of the complainants painted a harrowing picture of a community governed by a strict, patriarchal hierarchy. Women and girls were described as being at risk of being labeled as rebellious or worldly for minor infractions, such as incorrect uniform wear or excessive hair visibility. One complainant recounted being unable to protect herself during meal times when serving large jugs of non-alcoholic cider or hot drinks.

Temple was also alleged to have frequently entered the kitchen to “hug” young women from behind, kissing them on the necks, touching their breasts, or making lewd remarks. The women testified that there was no avenue for refusal or reporting these actions, given the complete control that Gloriavale’s leadership exerted over its members.

A Mother's Reflection

Outside the courtroom, the mother of one of the complainants shared her emotional response to the initial denial of charges by Temple. She expressed disappointment, stating that as the shepherd, he was responsible for the community’s well-being and had failed to show the care one would expect from a spiritual leader. She also described the guilty plea as a milestone, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that future generations do not suffer the same fate.

Temple, now 85, has been remanded on bail until August 11, when a sentencing date will be set. His guilty plea marks a significant moment in the ongoing trial, but for many, it raises questions about the deeper issues within the Gloriavale community and the challenges of reforming a tightly controlled religious structure from within.