Mmm-kay,
It's nice to see that these guys have gone from the slightly isolationist wacky to seriously fundamentalist and political wacky.
The Exclusive Bretheren are a rather influential bunch, in Australia, as we've recently found out.
These guys are a lovely bi-product of 10 years of conservative government in Australia.
QuoteDue to their focus on separation, the public view of the Brethren relies heavily on what is said in the media. They have been the subject of quite widespread controversy and unwelcome publicity, at various times since the mid-1960s.
Claims aired on the ABC Four Corners program accused the group of being a cult, breaking up families, and avoiding the issue of suicide among their members.
Additionally, the Brethren have been accused of covering up the child abuse activities of a high ranking Australian member from 2003 to 2006 (and ignoring written warnings from as early as 1991).
The Brethren hit the media headlines in 2005-6 with their political activities in both Australia and New Zealand.
Wiki
I was reading a ABC (thats the Aussie one)radio transript of the political activities of the Sacred Bretheren in New Zealand and Australia. The Sacred Brethren were recently attributed to The Australian Green's losing seats in Tasmania, after a secretive ballot drop (by men in pig masks :P)
Wendy Carlisle's transcript is a great read about how and progressive social politics is being undermined by the religious right in Australia.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2006/1624361.htm
Sound familiar guys?
It looks appalling, 15k members in a 20M people country sounds like a drop in the ocean, but as usual a well organized (and funded) minority can do *wonders*. ::) :-\ :( >:(