Overview
The Exclusive Plymouth Brethren maintain strict separation from the outside world, with practices including avoiding non-members, limited media access, and strict restrictions on education and employment outside their community. Brethren members typically work for community-owned businesses, marry within the sect, and require approval for major life decisions from church elders. Community meeting rooms, funded by donations and operated under registered charities, host multiple gatherings each week.
The Brethren manage around 200 UK charities with assets totalling £300-£400 million, supporting various community needs. Business-wise, they own over 1,100 companies in the UK, with an estimated annual turnover of £4 billion, some of which benefited from large government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OneSchool Global, their education arm, charges around £3,750 per pupil annually, with support for financially challenged families. Each school operates under a registered charity, often running a local convenience store (Campus & Co), staffed by unpaid and predominantly female Brethren members, as fundraisers for the schools.
Critics accuse the Brethren of controlling members' lives, making it difficult to leave, and using legal means to stifle criticism. Ex-members report abuse, mental health issues, and manipulation by church leaders. Despite not voting, the Brethren have been involved in political lobbying, primarily supporting right wing parties globally.
The Brethren's insular practices, wealth, and exploitation of charitable status raise questions about their impact on members and wider society. Allegations of coercion, separation, and abuse underscore concerns about their societal contribution and treatment of members.
The Brethren manage around 200 UK charities with assets totalling £300-£400 million, supporting various community needs. Business-wise, they own over 1,100 companies in the UK, with an estimated annual turnover of £4 billion, some of which benefited from large government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OneSchool Global, their education arm, charges around £3,750 per pupil annually, with support for financially challenged families. Each school operates under a registered charity, often running a local convenience store (Campus & Co), staffed by unpaid and predominantly female Brethren members, as fundraisers for the schools.
Critics accuse the Brethren of controlling members' lives, making it difficult to leave, and using legal means to stifle criticism. Ex-members report abuse, mental health issues, and manipulation by church leaders. Despite not voting, the Brethren have been involved in political lobbying, primarily supporting right wing parties globally.
The Brethren's insular practices, wealth, and exploitation of charitable status raise questions about their impact on members and wider society. Allegations of coercion, separation, and abuse underscore concerns about their societal contribution and treatment of members.
Who are the Exclusive Plymouth Brethren?
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Led by Sydney based accountant Bruce Hales, the secretive controversial cult of 54,000 members is split across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, France, Argentina, The Caribbean, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark & Sweden.
Their doctrine of separation has led to the devastation of families and they are no strangers to political lobbying. |
Rapid Relief Team
Coming Soon - We dive deep into the 'charity' PR front of the Plymouth Brethren