A former member of Grace Road Church (GRC) has made serious allegations regarding the treatment of workers at the church’s True Mart in Navua, Fiji. After escaping from the church after nearly eight years, she claims that employees were subjected to degrading working conditions akin to slavery, often laboring for 12 hours a day, seven days a week, with minimal rest.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her desire to raise awareness among the Fijian public about the alleged exploitation linked to the church’s commercial operations. She stated that the church’s environment primarily confines families, separating them shortly after arrival and limiting visitations. According to her account, she often went months without seeing her children and husband.
Speaking to the media, she described her experiences in various roles, including work on farms and in kitchens where she and others, including the elderly, were forced to perform difficult tasks without any regard for their health or well-being. She stressed that although some individuals were initially allowed rest, they ultimately faced pressure to continue working.
Her husband, still affiliated with GRC, defended the church’s practices, calling the separations “normal” and stating that the matter is personal rather than ecclesiastical. This perspective contrasts sharply with previous reports, including one from last year in which two Korean nationals were discovered in poor health while confined in a locked room at the GRC farm, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of individuals associated with the church.
Despite these troubling allegations, GRC has not issued a formal response to the claims raised by the woman, leaving many questions unanswered.
While such claims may paint a bleak picture, they can serve as a catalyst for further investigation and accountability. It’s essential for community awareness to foster change and protect the rights of individuals who might be trapped in similar situations.
Overall, transparency in such organizations can lead to increased support and efforts to improve labor conditions, which encourages a collective effort towards safeguarding human rights in all spheres of work.
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