Back
Politics

Redeemer Baptist Church and School Face Multiple Allegations; Officials Launch Investigations

Generated on: Last updated: 2 sources
View source

Investigative Report: Allegations of Control and Exploitation at Redeemer Baptist Church and School

A joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age has published explosive allegations from former insiders regarding Redeemer Baptist Church and its affiliated school in Western Sydney. Multiple government bodies have now launched inquiries.

Allegations of Control and Exploitation

Former students and staff of Redeemer Baptist School in North Parramatta, Sydney, have accused the institution and its affiliated church of exercising extreme control over members. Allegations include restrictions on university choices, relationships, and daily activities, as well as claims of forced labor and housing arrangements.

Specific allegations reported by former members include:

  • Alexandra Garth reported being punished for wearing colored underwear, having her university choice vetoed, and sharing a bedroom with a teacher. She said she felt suicidal from a young age.

  • Edward Garth reported that an elder rejected his dream career and that he shared a room with underage students in the principal's house. He filed a complaint with the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.

  • Former teacher Vanessa Bromhead stated the church broke up family units to maintain control, moving children between homes.

  • International students reported having their phones confiscated, limited contact with parents, and being required to perform manual labor for up to 12 hours per week.

  • A former church leader of 44 years stated members needed permission for holidays or university groups, and that parents were encouraged to block their children's phone numbers after they left.

  • Michael Jones said he was pressured to leave engineering to become a teacher and was told to leave the principal's home at 11.30pm, walking with his belongings in a shopping trolley.

  • Alexandra Garth said elders attempted to physically block her from leaving in January 2021.

Church and School Response

Redeemer Baptist Church and School released a statement denying all wrongdoing. They stated that the school is a registered entity compliant with NSW and Federal government regulations and subject to independent audits. They noted that staff are members of the Ministry Order who work as volunteers in response to a religious calling. Members receive stipends, which a 2006 NSW Supreme Court ruling deemed not wages. The church stated it does not prevent members from leaving and respects their decisions. It rejected claims of unlawful or coercive practices, asserting it is a law-abiding community.

Specific rebuttals included:

  • Governance and operations comply with Australian regulations.
  • All entities are mandatory reporters for child safety; allegations are reported to authorities. They noted that individuals named in the investigation were found not guilty in court.
  • They denied monitoring underwear color, controlling members' finances, or restricting career choices.
  • Students clean the school for approximately 20 minutes weekly as part of learning responsibility.
  • They denied allegations of elders holding birth certificates, restraining individuals, requiring permission for alcohol or appearance, or forcing students into inappropriate living arrangements.

School Practices

  • Students clean the school on Fridays for about 20 minutes. Church members participate in weekend "work parties."
  • The school's dress code requires female students to wear heeled shoes and prohibits "special boy-girl relationships."
  • The school's motto is "To hear is to obey."

Historical Context

The school was founded in 1981 by Noel Cannon and Maxwell Shaw. Members signed ministry orders, giving up the right to choose where they live. In 2004, following media exposés, dozens of members left.

Regulatory Responses

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare

Clare stated the allegations are very serious and has referred them to his department for investigation. He noted that the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will also investigate.

NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car

Car expressed deep concern, stating parents deserve to know their children are safe at school and that funding is used appropriately. She said NESA is investigating and will refer issues outside its jurisdiction to relevant authorities.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

NESA confirmed it investigates all information brought to its attention. It is investigating matters related to teacher accreditation, school registration compliance, and funding obligations. Relevant information will be referred to appropriate authorities, including the Office of the Children's Guardian and NSW Police. Substantiated breaches may place the school's registration at risk.