A former member of Grace Road Church (GRC) has publicly claimed that the church operates under conditions akin to slavery. The Korean American woman, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted her experience of nearly eight years at GRC’s True Mart Navua in Fiji, highlighting the harsh working conditions faced by congregants. She described a routine that involved working 12-hour days, seven days a week, under extreme pressure without proper rest or health care.
The woman emphasized how workers, including the elderly, were compelled to labor on the farm and in the church’s operations regardless of their health, stating that there was no allowance for sick leave. She expressed deep concern for her children, who she said were raised by “aunties” while she was confined to working for the church and had limited visitation rights.
She urged the Fijian public to reconsider their support for GRC, suggesting that every purchase contributes to the ongoing exploitation of approximately 300 individuals involved with the church. Her husband, still affiliated with GRC, defended the church’s practices, framing the separation of families as a normal procedure.
The issue came to greater prominence following a report from The Fiji Times last year, detailing an incident in which two Korean nationals appeared unwell and were found confined to a locked room on the GRC farm, highlighting disturbing concerns surrounding the treatment of individuals associated with the church.
As this story unfolds, it shines a light on serious issues of worker rights and treatment within religious organizations. Calls for transparency and accountability are crucial as communities strive to ensure that humane working conditions are upheld, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and protection for vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to scrutinize institutions that may exploit individuals under the guise of faith and community. Compassionate dialogue and action can foster hope for those affected and lead to positive changes within such institutions.
Summary: A former member of GRC alleges that the church enforces slave-like conditions on its workers, including long hours without proper care, while also urging the public to rethink their support for the organization. Despite a lack of response from GRC, this situation raises critical discussions about worker rights and the responsibilities of such establishments.
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