Who are the Brethren and what do they believe in?
While the sect has some very conservative views and has been politically involved in recent years, its political impact has been limited.
The Brethren are a Christian sect that originated in the 1820s in Ireland and England. They emerged from a desire to simply meet together to share the Lord's Supper, distinct from larger, more established denominations. The sect's name, Plymouth Brethren, stems from an early leader named John Nelson Darby who met in Plymouth, England, with others who had separated from the Church of England.
The Brethren are known for their conservative Christian beliefs. They emphasize the doctrine of "separation from evil," which encourages members to distance themselves from worldly beliefs and practices that contradict biblical principles. This concept of separation doesn't imply isolation but rather a deliberate effort to maintain purity and focus on spiritual growth. While they do engage with the outside world, they limit close contact with what they consider "worldly" individuals to prevent moral corruption.
In terms of their daily lives, the Brethren follow a strict lifestyle. They hold regular Bible meetings and Bible preachings, and they share the Lord's Supper together on Sunday mornings. They are also known for their minimal use of technology, avoiding free-to-air television, radio, and the internet in general. Instead, they place a high value on community and cohesion, with a strong sense of care for their members.
The Brethren's political activity has been a source of controversy. They don't abstain from voting due to a conscientious objection, but rather see it as their duty to "witness to government." This involves meeting with politicians and lobbying them on legislation that might affect their community. They often donate and volunteer for political parties, particularly the conservative Liberal and National parties.
They are upfront about these actions being done on an individual basis, not on behalf of the Brethren as a whole. Historically, the Brethren have been most interested in issues related to small businesses, but they have also campaigned on what they perceive as moral issues.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
