Watch Gloriavale

Gloriavale: A World Apart is a documentary series produced by Janson Media that takes a closer look at the inside workings of the Gloriavale Christian Community. The series follows the lives of those who live in this self-sufficient and isolated religious community in New Zealand.

The community was founded in 1969 by Neville and Gloria Cooper, who modeled it after the early Christian church. Today, the community is made up of about 500 members who all follow strict religious principles, including prayer, Bible study, and worship.

The community has been the subject of controversy over the years due to their strict rules, including arranged marriages, gender segregation, and restrictions on clothing, music, and entertainment. The community has also been accused of abuse and neglect, although they deny these allegations.

The documentary series follows the lives of several members of the community, including parents and their children, as they go about their daily routines. We see how they dress, what they eat, and how they worship. We also hear from members who have left the community and now speak out against it, as well as from those who remain loyal to Gloriavale.

The series also examines some of the community's more controversial practices, such as arranged marriages, which are often between very young couples. We hear from couples who have been married for decades and from those who are just starting their lives together. We also see how the community handles divorce and how children are raised within the community.

Another controversial issue explored in Gloriavale is the community's stance on gender roles. Women are expected to do most of the domestic work and child-rearing, while men are responsible for providing for their families. We hear from women within the community who are happy with this arrangement and from those who would like to change it.

The series also explores the community's strict rules on clothing, music, and entertainment. Members are not allowed to wear modern clothing, listen to secular music, or watch television. We see how the community has created its own culture and how members find fulfillment in their strict lifestyle.

Despite the controversy surrounding the community, the series presents a balanced view of the lives of those who live in Gloriavale. We see both the positives and negatives of their way of life and hear from those who have left and those who have stayed. Through it all, we gain a deeper understanding of this unique community and the people who belong to it.

Gloriavale: A World Apart is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a religious community that is often misunderstood and controversial. It is a must-see for anyone interested in religion, culture, and society in general.

Gloriavale is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between January 7, 2012 and on Janson Media