HISTORICAL FACTS: Brethren | History Defined

Who are the Brethren and what do they believe in?

In recent days, investigative journalists have accused members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church of mobilising far-right influencers to harass and heckle Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as Labor and Greens candidates, during the 2025 federal election campaign.

The Conversation · Aug 24

Afternoon Update: Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to target election; Sydney Swans latest; and diamond-soled shoes

Religious organisation also denies claims it coordinated volunteers to support Liberal candidates across the country

The Guardian - AU · Aug 21

Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to stage election stunts targeting Albanese and others

Church director tells parliamentary inquiry reporting by Nine newspapers a ‘complete lie’

The Guardian - AU · Aug 21

Wealthy Exclusive Brethren schools net almost $30m in disadvantage payments

The sect bans most women from paid work and restricts university attendance, insiders claim, and this has an unexpected benefit for network of aligned schools

The Guardian - AU · Jul 9, 2024

Students under near constant surveillance at Exclusive Brethren-linked schools, insiders claim

School laptops are allegedly monitored by a roster of church members, with parents sent summaries of their child’s internet use

The Guardian - AU · Jul 8, 2024

Morning Mail: inside Exclusive Brethren schools, French far right blocked from power, public transport deserts revealed

Years at school ‘darkest moments of my life’, former student says; left-green parties surge in French election; analysis reveals barriers to regular public transport in major cities

The Guardian - AU · Jul 7, 2024

Why Guardian Australia is investigating Exclusive Brethren schools

The sect’s OneSchool Global network has received generous support from Australian taxpayers while tightly controlling students and discouraging tertiary study

The Guardian - AU · Jul 7, 2024

Years at Exclusive Brethren school were ‘darkest moments of my life’, former student says

Ben Woodbury says school run by sect was not a safe environment for him, with limited access to external counselling services

The Guardian - AU · Jul 7, 2024

Plymouth Brethren: Man who grew up in church ‘cult’ said he attempted suicide after leaving

Gilli fled the church in 2012 at the age of 24 to be with his girlfriend

The Independent UK · May 25, 2024

Accounting firm controlled by Exclusive Brethren church to close after extraordinary ATO raid

It is not known if decision to shutter division of secretive sect’s umbrella company has any link to raid reportedly conducted ‘without prior notice’

The Guardian - AU · May 23, 2024