A Timeline of Allegations and Media Coverage
Homestead Heritage, a supposedly agrarian Christian community outside Waco, Texas, is known for its craftsmanship and traditional lifestyle. But over the years, former members and journalists have raised serious concerns about the group’s internal practices — with some alleging cult-like behavior. Here is a detailed timeline of events, including direct links to major news stories.
April 2012
📰 Texas Observer Investigation
A groundbreaking exposé revealed child sex-abuse convictions involving members of Homestead Heritage.
- The article reported that church elders delayed reporting the cases to authorities and instead managed them internally.
- Critics saw this as evidence of systemic secrecy and authoritarian leadership.
August 2024
📰 Taste of Country: “Rory Feek’s Daughters Are Suing Him — Here’s Why”
- The article, centered on a family dispute involving country singer Rory Feek, briefly referenced Homestead Heritage, which Feek’s daughter is connected to.
- Homestead Heritage issued a public statement rejecting the article as “defamatory,” claiming they were not contacted for input and demanding a retraction.
September 2024
📰 The Independent: Former Members Speak Out
Six former members described the group as cult-like, citing:
- Extremely limited education (“I learned the ABCs… and that was pretty much it”)
- Avoidance of modern medical care, including traumatic birth experiences
- Control over personal lives, including isolation from outsiders and fear-based teachings
Homestead Heritage responded by denying all claims, labeling the article as inaccurate and sensationalized.
April 2025
📰 Dallas Observer: Fringe Religious Groups in Texas
In a roundup article, Homestead Heritage was described as an “extreme group…called a cult by former members.”
- The Dallas Observer article lent renewed weight to earlier concerns—amplifying extensive allegations of control, secrecy, and abuse. By blending investigative journalism with powerful firsthand testimony, the piece underscored why critics describe Homestead Heritage as cult-like.
🧭 The Bigger Picture
To supporters, Homestead Heritage represents a peaceful, faith-driven life. To former members and critics, it’s a closed-off system marked by control and manipulation. With growing media coverage and first-hand accounts, questions about the group’s inner workings continue to gain attention — prompting broader discussions about the boundaries between religious community and coercive control.