The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has issued a pointed rebuttal to allegations surrounding its activities during the federal election held in May 2023. Accused of aggressively mobilizing volunteers to support the Liberal Party at polling booths, the church asserts that its actions have been misrepresented by critics, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
During the election campaign, members of the church reportedly outnumbered volunteers from other political parties at various polling locations. Testimonies to a parliamentary committee indicate instances of confrontational behavior directed toward representatives of non-Liberal candidates. The church’s involvement has led to its characterization as a conservative cult, a label it vehemently disputes.
In a submission to the parliamentary committee, the church condemned the use of the term “Exclusive Brethren” and defended its members’ presence at polling booths. Traditionally, church doctrine has discouraged voting on religious grounds. However, the church argues that many members have reevaluated this stance over time. “This was never a rule, it was never a test of church fellowship,” the submission stated.
The church faced accusations of lacking transparency in its electoral activities. It denied any formal arrangement with the Liberal Party and emphasized that its members were free to support any candidate of their choice. “Individual members were allowed to campaign for whoever they wanted,” the church stated, highlighting that the organization itself did not coordinate efforts for any political party.
While acknowledging that some church members participated in campaign activities, the church clarified, “This was not organized by the church.” It suggested that the scrutiny directed towards it was politically motivated, noting that some members volunteered for candidates from other parties as well.
Furthermore, the church maintained that it has not made any financial contributions to political parties or candidates. It confirmed, however, that five parishioners collectively donated $700,000 to Advance, a conservative campaign group associated with certain members of the Liberal Party.
As the parliamentary inquiry continues, the church’s response underscores its commitment to addressing the allegations while maintaining its position within Australian society, where it claims approximately 16,000 members. The ongoing discussions reflect broader concerns regarding the intersection of religious beliefs and political engagement in Australia.
