Gloriavale escapees open up about family separation, leaving sect

A family of nine that fled Gloriavale says the Christian community tried to separate their family to stop them from leaving. Mr and Mrs Ben-Canaan, who only want to be known by their last names, were born and raised in the community for almost 37 years. Mr Ben-Canaan was thrown out of the community two months ago and his wife and seven children joined him later. For the first time, Mrs Ben-Canaan has opened up about the harrowing ordeal. She spoke exclusively to RNZ Christchurch reporter Nicholas Pointon.