Liberal MP’s sister says father’s church is a ‘cult’ where ‘gay conversion’ practices may still be happening

<p>City Builders pastor’s daughter tells Victorian parliamentary inquiry into cults of ‘grave concerns’ about church</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The sister of Victorian Liberal MP Renee Heath has described their father’s church as a “cult” and told an inquiry that so-called “gay conversion” practices may still be occurring in the state.</p><p>Clare Heath-McIvor, daughter of City Builders church pastor Brian Heath, told the parliamentary <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/cofg#:~:text=Snapshot%20of%20inquiry,about%20protecting%20people%20from%20harm.">inquiry into cults</a> and organised fringe groups that leaders of some churches in the New Apostolic Reformation movement, of which her father’s church is a part, believe “God’s law” overrides the state’s.</p><p><em>Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available in Australia at <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au/">1800Respect</a> (1800 737 732). Children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/13/victoria-cults-inquiry-city-builders-church-gay-conversion-practices-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>