Christian has been the leader of the isolated community for over 40 years.
He served 11 months in prison in 1995 on sexual abuse charges.
NZ Herald
Hopeful passes away
- Publish date
- Tuesday, 15 May 2018, 4:56PM
Photo / Facebook
Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian has died at the secluded religious community after a battle with cancer, reports say.
A family member of Christian, who was formerly known as Neville Cooper, told them he died on Tuesday afternoon.
Christian was aged in his 90s.
A family member, who is estranged from the community and has not had contact for over 20 years, said he had heard through the grapevine that Christian had passed away, he told the Herald.
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