We’ve got another story about a Waco-area religious group accused of being culty (no, not that one).
The Independent, a U.K.-based online newspaper, interviewed six former Homestead Heritage members who were born into the insular religious community but left the church as adults. They called it a “cult” and accused the group of limiting their education, medical access, and other freedoms.
Homestead Heritage is a conservative Christian community of about 1,200 people, some of whom live on a 500-acre compound near the Brazos River.
People who have left the group, though, have told troubling stories about life on the inside: Former Homestead Heritage members said the church limits members’ autonomy and controls nearly every aspect of their lives. Questioning the leaders’ authority, they said, is the same as questioning God.
Former member Tabitha Haugh, who left just last year, told The Independent she was taught some troubling lessons: “The fact that you would even think of having autonomy means that you are in direct rebellion against God.” Haugh was homeschooled by her mother and said: “I learned the ABCs, but that was pretty much it. There was no history, math, science, nothing.”
Another former member alleged inadequate midwife care during her pregnancy and delivery, resulting in permanent injuries to her pelvic floor. And another woman left Homestead Heritage in 2018, as her son became a toddler and she disagreed with the church’s use of corporal punishment.
Homestead Heritage has been the subject of other troubling abuse accusations over the years. The Texas Observer in 2012 reported on allegations of child sex abuse involving at least six members. Three members were convicted of sexually assaulting minors. The Observer also reported that church elders were aware of the abuse and failed to promptly inform law enforcement.
