Exclusive Brethren

The Exclusive Brethren (EB) is a conservative fundamentalist Christian group who desired to remain spiritually separate from the world surrounding them, and also from the divisions and confusion they perceived in Christendom.

The EB don't use the name "Exclusive" for themselves, but it is derived from their strict interpretation of the rules of membership of their "assemblies". EB believe that once one of their branches has excluded a person from Christian fellowship, that person remains excluded from all other branches. 

The Exclusive Brethren in Politics
While members of the EB do not vote, even in countries where voting is compulsory, in recent years they have played an increasingly active role in campaigning for conservative political candidates and parties.

This includes:
 * Exclusive Brethren/U.S. presidential election, 2004
 * Exclusive Brethren/Australian Federal Election, 2004
 * Exclusive Brethren/Australian Federal Election, 2007
 * Exclusive Brethren/New Zealand election, 2005
 * Exclusive Brethren/Tasmanian State election, 2006

Profiles

 * "Exclusive Brethren", Wikipedia. (This article has extensive background on the historical origins of the EB).
 * BBC Religion & Ethics - The Exclusive Brethren.
 * peebs.net - The Exclusive Brethren Information site peebs.net is a multimedia resource for all matters relating to the Exclusive Brethren; news, history, forums, blog and personal stories.
 * My Brethren - History and Ministry of 'Exclusive Brethren' (so-called) Premier resource for their origin, progress and testimony 1827-1959 on -- with biographies, doctrine, studies, memorabilia, poetry, answers to inquiries and extensive correspondence with guests.

Exclusive Brethren Media Statement

 * "Statement from the Exclusive Brethren on Senator Bob Brown's notice of motion calling for a Senate inquiry into the Church's activities", Media Release, February 9th, 2007. (Issued by Australian Associated Press to the Canberra Press Gallery).

Websites

 * peebs.net website.
 * TheExclusiveBrethren.com website.
 * MyBrethren.com website.

Articles & Commentary
.
 * Jill Rowbotham, "Piety not much of a vote-winner. Fears that Christian fundamentalism is influencing politics are misplaced," The Australian, June 17, 2006.
 * News Release: "Australian Greens Back Exclusive Brethren request," Australian Green Party, Media Release, Scoop (New Zealand)), June 21, 2006.
 * David Marr, "Hidden prophets", Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), July 1, 2006.
 * Geesche Jacobsen, "Brethren member convicted of child sex", The Age, December 19, 2006.
 * Michael Bachelard, "Brethren chief tells girl to disown dad", The Age, December 26, 2006.
 * Michael Bachelard, "Sect asked for power to prevent child visits", Sydney Morning Herald, December 27, 2006.
 * "Call for probe into sect school funding", The Age, December 29, 2006.
 * Michael Bachelard, "Brethren bid to cover up sex assaults on girls", The Age, December 30, 2006.
 * Nicky Hager, "Brethren leader visits NZ in secrecy", Sunday Star Times, July 20, 2008.