Abuse in the care of Protestant and other faiths
The scope of the Anglican investigation was formally extended in April 2022 to include the Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army faiths, becoming the Protestant and other faiths investigation.
This investigation gathered evidence of abuse in care of across a number of Protestant and other faiths, including Gloriavale, Exclusive Brethren (more recently known as Plymouth Brethren Christian Church), and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Increased numbers of survivors from these faiths have disclosed abuse
The scope was formally extended to recognise increased numbers of survivors from these faiths and their institutions – including schools and care homes – who have disclosed abuse to the Royal Commission.
The Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army faiths engaged in care provision throughout the Royal Commission’s 1950‒1999 period of inquiry.
The Royal Commission is exploring how people in care were abused by the institutions meant to protect them. This includes physical, sexual, psychological and racist abuse.
Māori, Pacific people, Deaf and disabled and LGBTQIA+ were disproportionately affected by care systems that failed them.
The inclusion of Gloriavale, Exclusive Brethren and Jehovah’s Witnesses, while not overly large congregations, enabled the Royal Commission to learn from more survivors of abuse while in care of these faiths, and examine abuse in smaller faith contexts.