A former member of Grace Road Church (GRC) has come forward to allege severe mistreatment of workers at the church’s True Mart in Navua, Fiji. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, claims that her nearly eight-year experience with the church involved conditions akin to slavery, working up to 12 hours a day without any days off.
In her statement, she expressed her desperation to inform the public about the situation, urging consumers to consider the implications of supporting GRC’s retail operations. She claimed that the church routinely separates families and limits contact, stating she often went months without seeing her children, who she said were primarily cared for by other church members, referred to as “aunties.”
The woman also described the harsh labor conditions, including the involvement of elderly individuals, who she asserts were forced to work despite their age and health issues. She emphasized the lack of proper medical care for those in need, claiming that everyone, regardless of their state, was expected to contribute labor on the church’s farms.
Though the woman’s husband, who remains with the church, defended its policies as normal practice, claiming family separation is a private matter, the allegations have raised troubling questions. Previous reports have also surfaced regarding the well-being of other individuals at the GRC farm, with immigration officials having discovered two Korean nationals in poor health while executing a detention order last year.
Currently, GRC has not issued a statement addressing these serious allegations.
This situation sheds light on the importance of scrutinizing organizations that operate under a religious or communal guise, especially when allegations of exploitation surface. The woman’s brave decision to speak out may inspire other individuals who have faced similar experiences to come forward, potentially leading to necessary reforms and greater accountability for such institutions.
As the story develops, it serves as a poignant reminder of the need for transparency and protection for vulnerable individuals within all forms of community organizations. The hope is that her call for awareness will prompt discussions that lead to positive changes and the well-being of those involved.
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