Exclusive Brethren

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The Exclusive Brethren are a part of the Christian Evangelical religious movement generally described as the Plymouth Brethren. They are distinguished from the Open Brethren from whom they separated in 1848. The Exclusive Brethren are also described as Connexional Brethren, as they recognise an obligation to recognize and adhere to the disciplinary actions of other associated assemblies, and the Darbyites after John Nelson Darby, one of the early Brethren leaders who brought about the rift with the Open Brethren. The Exclusive Brethren are found throughout Europe and the English speaking world.

Contents

[edit] General Overview

The Exclusive Brethren separated from the Open Brethren after the Bethesda Question of 1848[1] [2] . This question relates to assembly unity; all Exclusive Brethren groups believe that there is a necessary unity of the assembly. This is expressed practically in different ways by the different groups, but matters of fellowship and church discipline are generally not merely questions of local responsibility; such decisions must be accepted in all meetings. For example, where one of their branches has excluded a person from Christian fellowship, that person remains excluded from all other branches, who must then treat the excluded person as a leper (according to the book of Leviticus Chapter 15. In constrast, the Open Brethren allow each assembly to make its own decision about membership. 'Needed Truth' Brethren are connexional (believing in the unity of all assemblies) even though they are historically associated with Open Brethren.

Excepting assembly unity, there are common threads throughout all Plymouth Brethren groups, most notably the centrality of the Lord’s Supper in the weekly calendar and the format of meetings and worship. Often the distinctions between the many groups are not well understood by other Christians and the general public. The adjective "exclusive" has been applied to the group by others, partially due to their determination to separate from and exclude what they believe to be evil. Internally the Exclusive Brethren refer to themselves as "the Brethren", "those with whom we walk", "those in fellowship with us", or "the saints". Additionally, the term "exclusive" does not refer to whether a company is free to receive known believers from denominational churches to the Lord's Table, nor whether a letter of commendation is required. Some Exclusive meetings are more open in practice than some Open Assemblies; some Open Brethren may have a "fenced" or even a "closed" table.

Although the Exclusive Brethren have further divided since the Bethesda division, one group (known as the Taylorite Brethren) has largely remained intact. This group is best known for its uncompromising 'separatist' doctrines and most recent media reporting of the Exclusive Brethren relates to this group. Although they are the main focus of this article, Raven - Taylorite Brethren represent just one branch of the Plymouth Brethren worldwide. They shun contact with other Exclusive and Open Brethren as well as other Christian groups.

The name "Raven" refers to F E Raven a dominant leader who died in 1903, "Taylorite" derives from James Taylor Sr. and James Taylor Jr., who each led the brethren during separate periods for much of the twentieth century. They are also known as the Taylor Brethren, Peebs (for PBs - Plymouth Brethren), or Jims (James Taylor Jr was also known as Jim Taylor) by those who have left them. The Taylorite Brethren themselves do not use or encourage the term 'Taylorite'. When identifying themselves to governments, they sometimes use the designation given by the 1936 US Census of Churches: "Plymouth Brethren IV".

[edit] Leader

The current Taylorite leader is Australian businessman Bruce David Hales, known to them as "the minister of the Lord in the Recovery". Earlier Exclusive Brethren leaders were known as the Elect Vessel and the Man of God.

Other Plymouth brethren groups acknowledge no earthly leader, remembering Christ's teaching: 'But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.' in The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 23, verse 8.

[edit] Numbers

There are approximately 1,000,000 who can be classified as Plymouth Brethren worldwide[3], with 100,000 estimated to be in the UK[4], however the vast majority of these are Open Brethren. The 40,000 Taylorite Exclusive Brethren meet in 300 assemblies throughout 19 countries[5]. Few people not born into the Taylorite Exclusive Brethren world become Brethren members, and relatively few of those born into Taylorite families ever leave[6].

[edit] Separation

The Taylorite Exclusive Brethren believe that God's principle of unity is achieved by separating from and excluding that which is evil. As a result they shun any conduits of evil communications including television and radio. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported[7] that a letter from the Brethren leadership in July 2005 states "no authority is given for individual businesses to purchase their own computer equipment." However it is known that some Brethren own businesses which utilise computers.

The Taylorite Exclusive Brethren reserve all social activities for those with whom they celebrate the Lord's Supper. Such activities include eating, drinking and entertainment, owning club and professional memberships, directorships, shares and health insurance. Eating in restaurants and staying at hotels is also avoided[8].

Typically Taylorite Exclusive Brethren either own their own business or work for a business run by another Brethren member. The aged and sick are cared for by (possibly unrelated) Exclusive Brethren families. Children are required to marry within the fellowship.

[edit] Worship

Amongst the Taylorite Exclusive Brethren, meetings occur once a day on Monday through to Saturday, and four or five times on Sunday. These meetings include the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion at 6am Sunday), a prayer meeting, scripture readings, and gospel preachings. The church encourages general participation by all adult males, with a family atmosphere prevailing. Women ('sisters') may only 'give out' (choose and announce) the hymn for singing at the beginning and end of each meeting and during the breaking of bread service; apart from the communal hymn-singing women are required to be silent in church meetings, which the Brethren believe is according to Scripture.

[edit] Family Life

The Taylorite Exclusive Brethren encourage a traditional marriage and family life; children live at the family home until they marry. Contraception is not considered acceptable. Men are expected to provide for their families while the women manage the household[9]. A study of the Australian Brethren in May 2006 suggested that the divorce rate of the Brethren is approximately 0.8% compared to 10.8% for the general population[6].

In the case where someone chooses to leave the Taylorite Exclusive Brethren or is excommunicated by the fellowship, their parents, siblings, spouse and even children disassociate themselves from them. This may not always be voluntary, especially in the case of children.[10] The Australian newspaper Sydney Morning Herald describes how Bruce Hales (the Taylorite Exclusive Brethren leader) instructed a 12 year old girl to separate from her father. Hales reportedly told her that "Your mother will not be able to accept you if you continue contact with him" and "You cannot be a Christian if you leave the Brethren". The girl and her mother were moved 700 km away from her father with the assistance of the Brethren. The father lost all contact with the girl, despite having been awarded joint guardianship and weekly access by the Australian Family Court.[11]

[edit] Schooling

The Taylorite Exclusive Brethren run private schools for their children between the ages of 11 and 17. There are 38 Brethren private schools throughout Australia[12] and 43 in the United Kingdom, [13] as well as others throughout the world.

As with many private schools in Australia, the Brethren schools receive Australian Federal government funding. This included $313,000 of capital grants to Brethren schools during 2005-2006. The campus in the Australian Prime Minister John Howard's electorate of Bennelong was granted $70,000. [14]

In 2005 David Bell, the Chief Inspector of Schools in England praised the Exclusive Brethren schools for their standard of teaching. He said in his report that "the quality of teaching, most of which is done by experienced practitioners, is generally good.”[13] However, the Taylorite Exclusive Brethren have been criticised for not teaching sufficient skills in their schools, as their schooling does not include the use of computers or other modern technology. Members are also discouraged from attending universities as they are too "worldly". There is concern that such limited training leaves young people ill-prepared for life outside the Brethren should they later try to leave. Keith Porteous Wood, the executive director of the British National Secular Society stated: “Denying children access to knowledge that would help them to cope in the modern world is tantamount to abuse."[13]

[edit] Exclusive Brethren and the media

Due 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[15], breaking up families, and avoiding the issue of suicide among their members.[16] 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).[17]

The Brethren hit the media headlines in 2005-6 with their political activities in both Australia and New Zealand[18].

[edit] Exclusive Brethren and Politics

Exclusive Brethren generally have eschewed the politics of secular society. They do not vote, even in countries which have compulsory voting. Members are encouraged to work with elected officials "to express a moral viewpoint of legislation in relation to the rights of God"[5]. In recent times this has included political campaigning as detailed below.

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Daniel Hales, brother of Bruce Hales (the current worldwide leader), explained how they could support political parties and not vote: "I see it as a sin and you don't. So I'm very happy for you to vote because to you it's your obligation to the community. But to me, it's my conscience that doesn't allow me to vote." [19]

[edit] Australia

In the 2004 Australian federal election the Brethren were linked to political advertisements campaigning for the re-election of John Howard[20] [19]. The advertisements were funded by Willmac Enterprises Pty Ltd, a company wholly owned by Mark William Mackenzie who is a member of the Exclusive Brethren [21]. In March 2006, members of Brethren placed press advertisements and distributed leaflets[22] attacking the Australian Tasmanian Greens in the Tasmanian state election[23].

Prime Minister John Howard has confirmed that he has met with the Brethren, stating he has no problem with the group and that they are "entitled to put their views to the Government".[24] In December 2006, The Age reported that Brethren representatives met with the Australian Attorney-General Phillip Ruddock lobbying for family law changes to "ensure that a child is not subject to a radical lifestyle change without compelling reason". [25]

[edit] Canada

In 2005 the Taylor Exclusive Brethren attempted to influence a gay-marriage parliamentary vote by waging an aggressive but anonymous campaign (identifying themselves only as CCP or Concerned Canadian Parents) using direct-mail and advertising with a full page ad in the Hill Times newspaper, a Parliament Hill weekly directed at Senators studying Bill C-38. [26]

[edit] New Zealand

In 2000, as a result of their avowed disinterest and lack of involvement in the political process, Brethren-owned businesses were granted an exemption from legal requirements under the Employment Relations Act to allow union representatives onto the premises to talk with employees. As a result of the lobbying and other campaigning, there are now calls to change the relationship between Brethren-owned businesses and labour unions [27].

In the 18 months leading up to the 2005 New Zealand General Election, a group of Brethren met with and lobbied many members of Parliament, particularly MPs of the centre-right National Party but also including the parliamentary leaders of the centre-right New Zealand First and United Future parties and the neo-liberal ACT party with no success[28]. Late in the election campaign they spent approximately NZ$1.2 million producing and distributing to letter boxes at least eight pamphlets attacking the policies of both the socially liberal and centre-left Labour party and the Green party. Though not mentioning the National Party, the wording and colour of the pamphlets hinted at support for National. The leaflets appealed for the election of a "government that would prosper the country economically and govern in a morally upright way". The pamphlets caused some controversy and seven Brethren held a press conference in front of television cameras to explain themselves. [29]

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gerry Brownlee and Economic Development spokeswoman Katherine Rich expressed concerns about the Brethren's lack of political sophistication and loss of female voters for the New Zealand National Party at the 2005 general election[30] Some National MPs have declared that they won't accept help from the Exclusive Brethren in the future [31].

In September 2006, Prime Minister Helen Clark alleged that the group had been involved in spreading "baseless rumour, slander and lies" after accusations that her husband, Peter Davis might be homosexual appeared in the Sunday Star Times newspaper.[32]. It was also alleged that a private investigator had been hired by the group to follow Peter Davis. It was later confirmed that private investigators had been hired by members of the group to investigate Labour MPs [33].

In October 2006, Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party and Prime Minister, Helen Clark mentioned the Brethren in "mirth" during her opening speech at the Labour Party's annual conference. She also said that it was time to move on. Deputy Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen further attacked the group in his closing comments to the conference.

In November 2006 Nicky Hager published a book (The Hollow Men) detailing, amongst other issues, the involvement of the Brethren with the National Party. This was seen as one of the reasons for the resignation of party leader Don Brash, though that was denied strongly by Brash.

[edit] Sweden

The Swedish newspaper [Aftonbladet] reported that the Brethren funded an advertising campaign supporting the centre-right Alliance for Sweden in the Swedish 2006 elections. The advertisements and fliers were distributed by 'Nordas Sverige' which was a group of business-owners acting on their own initiative, although also members of the Brethren. Aftonbladet traced a company named 'Nordas Ltd' operating from Liverpool, UK, run by business-owners, also members of the Brethren [34].

[edit] United States

In 2004 the Brethren held prayer meetings and took out newspaper ads supporting the re-election of George W. Bush as President of the United States. In this they aligned themselves with the "religious right" of that country. A committee formed by Brethren in Florida raised $530,000 for the the ads supporting the re-election of Bush and of United States Senator Mel Martinez of Florida. $377,262 of this amount came from a single donor, Bruce Hazell, from England. The committee raised none of the money in Florida, according to a report filed with the Federal Elections Commission. A White House spokesman later described the group as "shadowy". [26].

[edit] Businesses

The Brethren are associated with numerous businesses. In Australia, Brethren leaders run the companies Tyremax (also Brethren owned and run in New Zealand), Sprinter Tyres and STI Tyres Australia Pty Ltd. In addition to retailing tyres these businesses import and wholesale Maxxis brand tyres from China, Taiwan and Thailand. Water filter supplier Billi Systems is the family business of Victorian Brethren leader John Gadsden.[35]. Bruce Hale runs a business selling office equipment.[19] Bruce's brother, Stephen Hales runs a business which imports and installs waterpumps, called Allpumps. In the Illawarra a children's play equipment, Coolibah Cubbies of Unanderra is owned and operated by a family of members. In addition to these businesses, the Brethren own and run businesses in numerous industries, including clothing, architectural, rehabilitation aids and food.

Businesses owned by Brethren throughout the world gain advice and book-keeping support from an organisation called National Office Assist[36].

Jaybro Civil & Safety Products, in Western Sydney (NSW) is also run by Exclusive Bretheren, run by "Stephen Joyce" - an Exclusive Brethren leader in the Penrith and Katoomba regions of NSW. Crest Office Interiors in Penrith (western Sydney NSW) is another Exclusive Brethren company run by Jim Green whose sister is married to Bruce Hales. Around Australia and New Zealand, Brethren operate numerous businesses involved in the import and resale of industrial hardware and more specifically, welding equipment and consumables.

Industrial Air Tools, Penrith NSW is run by members of the Exclusive Brethren.

[edit] Historic Branches

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There are two main historic branches of the Exclusive Brethren:

  • Raven/Taylor (Taylorites) The largest group and the primary focus of this article.
  • Kelly/Lowe/Glanton and other Darbyite Brethren.

[edit] Kelly Lowe Glanton and other "Darbyite" Brethren

There were several branches of Exclusive Brethren who generally followed the teachings of J.N.Darby, yet who are to be distinguished from the Taylorite Brethren. Neither should they be classified with Open Brethren. These are sometimes called Closed Brethren however they are more accurately described as Connexional Brethren. Potentially, these groups are prepared to receive known believers to the Lord's Table, having neither a 'closed' nor 'open' but 'guarded' table.

  • Ames Brethren (USA and Bahamas only)
  • Grant Brethren (USA)
  • Stuart (or Reading) Brethren (NZ)
  • Brethren from 1827
  • Kelly Brethren (Southern UK and West Indies, etc.)
  • Lowe-Continental (Elberfelder) Brethren (all inhabited Continents)
  • Glanton Brethren (Northern Britain)
  • Tunbridge Wells Brethren (all Continents - but predominantly the Americas)

In October 1974, after 50 years of reunions amongst the non-Raven/Taylor Brethren the Kelly Lowe Glanton, Tunbridge Wells Group was formed, uniting most of these groups into one, although a few Tunbridge Wells meetings in both the UK and USA seceded. This group is the largest single group of Brethren on the European mainland. A historical account of how this reunion came about is posted in The "Brethren" Since 1870 by W. R. Dronsfield.

These brethren are described as "Darbyite" as they do not accept the concept of "progressive ministry" by which the practices and teachings of brethren evolve according to "current light" or "current ministry". Neither do they accept the concept of "authoritative ministry" as being divinely sanctioned and binding on those in fellowship as is often found amongst Raven/Taylor Brethren. Reunion with ex-Taylor meetings and reception of ex-Taylor Brethren has been hampered by mutual suspicion over acceptance or otherwise of the doctrines of Raven and Taylor regarding Christ's Eternal Sonship (there being no disagreement over his Deity), Eternal Life, Christ's atoning sufferings in the grave and the matter of addressing the Holy Spirit in prayer and worship.

The Kelly Lowe Glanton, Tunbridge Wells Group has recently suffered from widespread division because of association with certain members of one of the Taylor parties (Oxted-Rogers group) and liberal & New Age doctrine coming from some Dutch teachers. Some analysis of what lies behind the spectrum of differing groups can be read in 'Narrative of Facts' by E N Cross or found on the German Brethren site, in these two articles by Philip Nunn:


[edit] Taylorite branch

The Taylorite branch (consisting of the Taylor, Symington and Hales Brethren) are the largest single grouping of Exclusive Brethren. Those who remained in fellowship with James Taylor Junior after 1970 have remained broadly undivided, although the group does suffer from individual defections from time to time, as well as losing members due to its own disciplinary procedures.

Until about 1960, the Taylorite Brethren comprised a quiet, 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. They did not support 'clericalism' (the making of a distinction between those who teach or lead and those who serve other functions within the church), but recognised John Nelson Darby, J B Stoney, F E Raven, C A Coates, James Taylor Sr and others as gifted of God to help "recover the truth" of Christ and His Assembly (Church). None of these men ever presumed to be "world-wide leaders", nor did they tolerate any person or persons assuming any official position. However during the latter part of the time of James Taylor Sr, the doctrine of "authoritative ministry" appeared with ominous undertones of papal infallibility when speaking ex cathedra.

Photograph of the 1959 Central Hall, London Meeting where GR Cowell (standing) had his final public battles with James Taylor Jr (seated behind with hands in lap). Many well-known Exclusive Brethren faces appear on the platform, including AJ Gardiner and P Lyon.
Photograph of the 1959 Central Hall, London Meeting where GR Cowell (standing) had his final public battles with James Taylor Jr (seated behind with hands in lap). Many well-known Exclusive Brethren faces appear on the platform, including AJ Gardiner and P Lyon.

[edit] History since 1959

[edit] 1959 Central Hall conference

The annual summer conference at the Methodist Central Hall in London functioned as the de facto policy forum. At the Central Hall conference in 1959, a decisive confrontation took place between Gerald R Cowell of Hornchurch and the New York James Taylor Jr. The members regarded Cowell as a saintly type with fine words and sermons in the best English tradition of Brethrenism, whereas James Taylor Jr appeared rather brash. James Taylor Jr urged immediate separation from the world, whereas Cowell proposed a line of compromise. The brethren sided with James Taylor Jr. The movement excommunicated Mr Cowell less than a year after the Conference, and judged him 'unfit for Christian fellowship'.

James Taylor Jr built on the "authoritative ministry" doctrine to assert his views as dominant amongst brethren. It is claimed that he also filled a void in brethren's lives for a cult of personality as the Brethren were denied access to drama, cinema and television.

[edit] Divisions Pre-1970

A number of meetings and individuals left the Taylorite Brethren during the ministries of James Taylor Senior and James Taylor Junior, although chiefly as a reaction to the ministry of the latter. These have been called the Pre-Aberdeen Outs. Some meetings have since reunited with some of the Post Aberdeen Outs but they do not form any one group together. The number of meetings is very small and many have joined other brethren and other denominations.

[edit] Aberdeen incident of 1970

In 1970 James Taylor Jr exhibited, what was considered by some, erratic behaviour in meetings and this came to a head at Aberdeen in Scotland, where he called people "bums", "bastards" and other names during services. After one of these Aberdeen gatherings, James Taylor Jr was accused of immoral conduct with a married woman, by persons who would not accept his ministry. James Taylor Jr immediately rejected these accusations as lies. The incident divided the Brethren flock. The traditionalists believed his accusers, whereas his supporters believed James Taylor Jr to be a pure man and that this incident was used to expose those who were in opposition to him. The two groups split, and consequently divisions occurred around the world, with less schism in more distant parts. At Aberdeen only two families remained supporters of James Taylor Jr after the 1970 incident while the majority of Brethren chose to listen to James Taylor Jr's accusers.

[edit] Developments amongst Taylor Brethren since 1970

James Taylor Jr died in 1970 in New York after a turbulent decade for his followers. A new leader named James H Symington came from a farm in Neche, North Dakota. Symington died in 1987 and shortly after, the leadership passed to John S Hales. In 2002, John S Hales died, and his son Bruce David Hales, an Australian businessman, succeeded to the leadership. For the second time in Exclusive Brethren history the position of "Man of God" or "the Lord's Servant" was transferred to a son from his father.

[edit] "Out" Taylor Brethren since 1970

[edit] General Developments

After the events of 1970 a large number of meetings felt unable to continue in fellowship with James Taylor Junior and separated from him in the immediate aftermath of meetings at Aberdeen. These have been called the Post-Aberdeen Outs. They have divided several times since then and are very fragmented. Some meetings have become de facto independents while others have joined with Pre-Aberdeen Outs. Some retain the concept of "authoritative ministry" and they have varying degrees of freedom to attend services in other meetings and churches. They have a wide variety of doctrinal viewpoints and practices having reacted to a greater or lesser degree to Taylorite teachings. The Kingston Bible Trust under the auspices of the "Croydon" group produces a selection of ministry in the Darby/Raven/Taylor category.

After the Aberdeen division in 1970, the "Outs" meetings continued to have fellowship together until 1972 when they divided into 2 main groups, starting with some who left the gathering in Edinburgh ostensibly in support of a brother who was a member of what some felt was an 'unequal yoke' according to 1 Corinthians 6:14.

1. Renton Meetings — Those who, whilst rejecting the ministry of James Taylor Jr, did not immediately dissociate from everything that had been introduced by him, preferring to test each matter on its own merits. The main events of this division started in Scotland but divided the group worldwide. The closed table still operates among these brethren but it should be noted that they welcome other believers to attend their other meetings.

2. Non-Renton or Strang Brethren — Those who rejected the ministry of James Taylor Junior but accepted the concept of "authoritative ministry;" i.e., that you could only have fellowship with those with whom you agreed regarding matters of doctrine and ministry. The closed table was still maintained. A new edition of the Little Flock Hymn Book was produced in 1973 for use among this group. This Hymnbook maintained the general Taylorite doctrines of addressing the Holy Spirit in worship and addressing God as the triune One. It restored many previously deleted hymns from earlier editions, and restored many hymns to their original forms, but added no new compositions and continued the practice of excising hymns of those no longer in fellowship without taking account of the intrinsic worth of each individual hymn. A new version of Tunes for this edition was produced by Frank Frost, Archie Broadbridge and John Mason in 1979. It removed a number of tunes from the 1965 Supplement which nevertheless remains in print at the Taylor/Symington Depot.

[edit] Further Divisions amongst Post-Aberdeen Brethren

In 1974, further disagreements arose and another division occurred amonst the Strang Brethren. Fundamentally it was between the Oxted Brethren and the Frost or Croydon brethren. The Oxted Brethren rejected the concept of "authoritative ministry" and wished to maintain "an available mount of communion for every consistent believer"[citation needed] which is very similar to the Darbyite position. While the Frost brethren (named after Frank Frost, one of the signatories of the letter of withdrawal) accepted "authoritative ministry", maintained a closed table and rejected fellowship or shared ministry with other believers.

The Oxted meetings, sometimes known as Rogers Meetings after George Rogers of Oxted, continued as a loose federation of meetings often drawing on help for ministry from other groups of Brethren and indeed other Christians from other denominations. They are also able to minister at meetings and churches which are not generally associated with them. They are now few in number and, although they have informal links with each other, there is no centralised control nor is there any list of their meetings. One meeting at Haywards Heath was briefly considered in the 1980s for association with the reunited Kelly Lowe Glanton group, but difficulties arose over matters of doctrine and authority (on both sides) and on perceived Kelly Lowe Glanton centralizing tendencies.

The Frost Meetings divided again in 1991/2 over the issue of "authoritative ministry". The London Party reverted to a more Darbyite pattern of ministry but nevertheless maintain a closed table. They do in some instances engage in Evangelism with other believers and are mainly free to attend other places of worship as well as welcoming others to their meetings. They have reunited with some Raven-Taylor group meetings (the Pre-Aberdeen Outs) which rejected the ministry of James Taylor Junior in the 1950s and 60s.

The Croydon Party, whilst very welcoming of fellow believers to all meetings, are generally unable to participate in Gospel outreach with other believers nor even to enter other places of worship or meeting rooms for burials and weddings where the ministry is not under their direction. They do not allow other Christians to take part in their meetings. In common with the London Group they are not able to invite other Christians to minister among them nor are they able to minister at other meetings/churches but only amongst those with thom they are officially in fellowship. Both of these groups maintain lists of meetings with whom they are in fellowship.

The Frost/Croydon Group, known by some as "Permafrost,"[citation needed] suffered another division in 1999 based mainly on matters of "administration," a weakness which has afflicted Brethren of all types from their earliest beginnings.

[edit] Hymn Books and Music

The Little Flock hymn book exists in almost as many variations and editions as there are distinct groups of Exclusive Brethren. In 1838 the Central Tract Depot published G. V. Wigram's Hymns for the Poor of the Flock. This was followed in 1856 by his Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Little Flock which gathered together hymns from diverse collections used among Brethren and on which all subsequent versions are based. This was revised in 1881 by by J.N.Darby, an edition which is still in print, published by Bible Truth Publishers of Addison, Illinois, USA and available from Chapter Two, etc.

[edit] Raven/Taylor Hymn Books

Amongst Raven/Taylor Brethren, every new doctrinal development was reflected in renewed activity in hymn composition in English and other European languages especially Swedish. Doctrinal shifts were often followed by marked re-editing of the hymns themselves to bring them into line with current ministry which often necessitated the production of a new edition. The main editions are 1903, 1932, 1951, 1962, and 1973 of which there is a Taylor/Symington (1973 Amendment) edition and a separate Kingston Bible Trust (1973 Re-Selection) edition. From the 1940s, foreign language editions were gradually brought into line with English editions so that brethren could, where possible, sing together the same hymns in the same metre. The 1962 hymnbook thus appears in varying quality in 10 or more languages. The Swedish editions in particular have a long tradition of translating English hymns especially Gospel songs for outreach. The English editions themselves have included translations from Swedish, French, Spanish and German. Taylor/Symington Brethren use their English Hymnbook universally regardless of the local language.

A new edition, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Flock of God was published in New Zealand in 2001 by R.D. Church and E. J. Forrest through the Joseph Bywater Trust. This collection is based on the 1951 edition and gathers together many hymns from all the pre-existing collections restoring hymns to their original wording where possible and adding some new compositions.

[edit] KLG Hymnbooks

The KLG grouping have had 2 major hymn books since William Kelly's Hymns Selected and Revised in 1894 edition. Following the reunion of 'Kelly' (1894 users) and 'Lowe' brethren (1881 users) in 1926, the 1928 edition was compiled by William John Hocking and is still in use by a few 'Kelly' and Open Brethren meetings. The 1978 edition followed the 1974 reunion with 'Glanton' brethren (1903 users) and 'Grant' brethren (1881 users) and is used by these "reunited" brethren. This latter book has drawn more widely from Hymns in common use but does not contain hymns addressing the Holy Spirit in line with traditional Darbyite teaching. Foreign language editions have developed and continued in their own distinctive traditions.

[edit] Gospel Hymns

Gospel Hymnbooks have been produced by most branches of Exclusive Brethren. The Little Flock editions have always contained a selection of Gospel Hymns but both Raven/Taylor and KLG wings of the movement have from time to time used separate (sometimes privately printed) collections of Gospel Hymns in the gospel, and outreach meetings. Chapter Two have re-published The Evangelists' Hymnal, edited by Dr. W.T.P Wolston. This book is used by some Glanton and some Open Brethren assemblies.

[edit] Tune Books

Little Flock Tune Books have been published in 1883, 1904, 1932, 1954, 1965, and 1979. Charles Theodore Lambert's edition of 1932 published both words and tunes with an appendix "Containing a few hymns suitable for the Christian Household". It is still published in SOL/FA by the Symington/Taylor Depot. The other Tune Books had Tunes only, listed in metrical order. The KLG 1978 hymn book and the Gospel Hymn Book were both published with a music edition. UK tunebooks have drawn particularly from German Collections and all editions (but especially the 1965 edition) have drawn on Exclusive Brethren tunewriters and musicians to produce collections of a high calibre both in terms of musical editing and in the quality of the compositions themselves. Composers of note include T. Willey, T. Collins, Miss La Thangue, Miss S.M. Walker, C. Leflaive, C.T. Lambert, R.A. Evershed, Peter S. Pope, E. Carrén, John F. Harvey, and Gordon Miller.

[edit] Where are they now?

In the West the Exclusive Brethren groups, with the exception of the Taylorites, are numerically in decline. In third world countries they are on the increase, with the exception of the Taylorite Exclusives. In the past the decline in support for these groups often benefitted other Christian brethren but nowadays other evangelical churches have attracted brethren departees. After 1970, many former Taylor Exclusive Brethren who lived in London went to Westminster Chapel where Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was the minister [1]. Ex-Taylor Brethren are to be found in most denominations, but some have become either agnostics or atheists.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Abigail, Shawn (September 1997). "Plymouth Brethren" History FAQ. Retrieved on 2006-01-20.
  2. ^ Mackintosh, C.H.. Fifteenth Letter to a Friend. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  3. ^ Abigail, Shawn. "Plymouth Brethren" FAQ. Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  4. ^ Bruce, F. F.. Who are the Brethren?. Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  5. ^ a b Who are the Exclusive Brethren Christian Fellowship?. The Exclusive Brethren official website. The Exclusive Brethren. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  6. ^ a b Bouma, Gary D (2006-05-18). An Investigation into Marriage and Family Relations Among the Exclusive Brethren in Australia. Monash University. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  7. ^ Carlisle, Wendy. "Elusive Exclusive Brethren", ABC Radio National, 2006-04-30. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  8. ^ Basic teaching in the Exclusive Brethren. The Exclusive Brethren official website. The Exclusive Brethren. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  9. ^ Family life in the Exclusive Brethren. The Exclusive Brethren official website. The Exclusive Brethren. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  10. ^ Gower, Patrick. "Son caught in Exclusive Brethren tug-of-love", The New Zealand Herald, 2006-10-14. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  11. ^ Bachelard, Michael. "Sect told girl: banish your dad", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  12. ^ "Greens call for Brethren investigation", News.com.au, News Limited, 2006-12-29. Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
  13. ^ a b c Halpin, Tony. "Top marks for sect schools that shun the modern world", The Times, Times Newspapers Ltd, 2005-03-21. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  14. ^ Bachelard, Michael. "Sect's schools flush from parents - and federal funds", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  15. ^ Ngaire Thomas. Interview with Quentin McDermott. Ngaire Thomas Interview. Four Corners (TV series). 2006-09-25.
  16. ^ Ron Fawkes. Interview with Quentin McDermott. Ron Fawkes Interview. Four Corners (TV series). 2006-09-25.
  17. ^ Bachelard, Michael. "Brethren bid to cover up sex assaults on girls", The Age, Fairfax, 2006-12-30. Retrieved on 2006-12-30.
  18. ^ Davis, Richard (2006). Media Coverage of the Exclusive Brethren in Australia and New Zealand.
  19. ^ a b c Marr, David. "Hidden prophets", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax, 2006-07-01. Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
  20. ^ Doherty, Linda. "Brethren linked to Howard campaign", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax, 2005-09-16. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  21. ^ Marr, David. "Sect member funded anti-Greens campaign", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax, 2007-01-20. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  22. ^ Copy of the Brethren Anti-Green political leaflet issued in March 2006 PDF (739 KiB) See Elusive Exclusive Brethren for article transcript.
  23. ^ "Christian sect members attack Tas Greens", ABC Radio National, 2006-03-15. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  24. ^ "Howard admits meeting Exclusive Brethren", News.com.au, News Limited, 2006-09-27. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  25. ^ Bachelard, Michael. "Brown demands sect inquiry", The Age, Fairfax, 2006-12-27. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  26. ^ a b O'Neil, Peter. "Secretive religious sect behind anti-gay ads", Vancouver Sun, 2005-07-25. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  27. ^ Green Party (2006-09-26). Call for removal of union exemption from Brethren. Press release. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  28. ^ Oliver, Paula. "Brethren plot to rule the roost", New Zealand Herald, 2006-09-30. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  29. ^ Kiong, Errol. "Sect members behind political pamphlets", New Zealand Herald, 2005-09-17. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  30. ^ Stent, Kevin. "What are the Exclusive Brethren up to?", Sunday Star Times, 2006-09-25. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  31. ^ "Brethren helped us, say National MPs", New Zealand Herald, 2006-10-04. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  32. ^ Lewis, Peter. "Dirty politics in New Zealand", PM, 2006-09-18. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  33. ^ Watkins, Tracy. "Furious Clark defends husband", Stuff, 2006-09-18. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  34. ^ "Extrem sekt stöder alliansen", Aftonbladet, 2006-09-13. Retrieved on 2006-09-13. (in Swedish)
  35. ^ Bachelard, Michael. "Sect's tyre business treading a fine line on school funding rules", Sydney Morning Herald, Fairfax, 2006-12-29. Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
  36. ^ Gower, Patrick. "Behind the Brotherhood: The Elect Vessel, Bruce Hales", The New Zealand Herald, APN Holdings NZ Limited, 2006-10-14. Retrieved on 2006-12-29.

[edit] Bibliography

  • Roger Shuff: Searching for the True Church: Brethren and Evangelicals in Mid-Twentieth-Century England: Paternoster Press: 2005: ISBN 1842272543

[edit] External links

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