May 11th 2005 (EB News - Correction)
As most are aware, the radio broadcast from one week ago did not feature a member of the Exclusive Brethren. The final section of the broadcast contained a short interview with Mr. Edwin Cross who is not a member of the 'Taylorite/Hales' Exclusive Brethren. Further details are available within the Peebs.Net Forums.
May 4th 2005 (EB News)
The UK radio broadcast from earlier today containing an Exclusive Brethren interview on Radio 4's Today programme can be listened to by using the 'Listen Again' area on the Radio 4 web site. Before the program is moved to the archives, you can click 'Wednesday' on the following page:
May 4th 2005 (EB News)
Our much-loved friend Ngaire Thomas, author of 'Behind Closed Doors', is the
latest recipient of an Exclusive Brethren lawyer's letter claiming defamation.
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The letter can be viewed in the private Peebs.Net Forums
It would certainly appear that as the curtains are pulled back and the doors pushed open, the gloves are coming off. However, no Exclusive Brethren threat or lawyers letter can alter Truth.
This site stands solidly behind Ngaire and her wonderful book that has been serialized on this site for the past six months.
May 4th 2005 (EB News)
South-eastern Australia's Diamond Valley Leader carries a detailed description of the Nillumbik Shire Council Exclusive Brethren planning application battle that was originally reported here April 19th, 2005.
May 4th 2005 (EB News)
This morning, Wednesday 4 May 2005, the prestigious BBC Radio 4 early morning news programme, Today, included a brief interview with Exclusive Brethren member, Edwin
Cross at the Exclusive Brethren meeting room located at Plum Lane, Plumstead,
London, UK, about why the EB don't vote in UK general elections. The United Kingdom head to the polling stations tomorrow, May 5th 2005.
There were two interviews in the programme. The first was with a Buddhist and the second was with Edwin Cross. The Radio 4 Today program is notoriously tough on its interviewees but on this occasion allowed both to make their point uninterrupted. Reference was made in the pre-interview introduction to the recent Ofsted Report on a Peeb school which was favorable despite the obvious omissions in the curriculum.
By all accounts, Mr. Cross interviewed very well. If only he had been allowed to listen to a radio broadcast himself, he could have been very proud of his performance.
The BBC Radio 4 website may offer a transcript at a later time. Once available, this site will carry a link or a copy.April 30th, 2005 (Site News)
Peebs.Net has received via email and facsimile, a letter from a lawyer based
in Washington, DC, USA.
For the time being, we have protected the name of the Addressee and have removed confidential extracts of private conversations. Further details are available in the private Peebs.Net Forums.
The type of action that the Exclusive Brethren are considering is termed SLAPP or CyberSLAPP:
" 'CyberSLAPP' cases are so-called because they are Internet versions of a much older abuse of the legal system known as SLAPPs, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. SLAPP cases are typically brought by powerful corporations or public figures against regular individuals who oppose them in some way by fighting a new development, for example."
"The lawsuits are 'strategic' because they have little chance in prevailing in court, but are intended to intimidate or silence citizens who cannot afford the high cost of defending against them. SLAPP suits Cyber and regular alike are unfair because the "punishment" that often matters most to average citizens (high legal costs, losing online anonymity) comes not after a court or jury's judgment, but as a result of the mere filing of the lawsuit."
"A new form of lawsuit called a 'CyberSLAPP' suit is threatening to overturn the promise of anonymous online speech and chill the freedom of expression that is central to the online world. CyberSLAPP cases typically involve a person who has posted anonymous criticisms of a corporation or public figure on the Internet. The target of the criticism then files a frivolous lawsuit just so they can issue a subpoena to the Web site or Internet Service Provider (ISP) involved, discover the identity of their anonymous critic, and intimidate or silence them."
From http://www.cyberslapp.org/faq.cfm
The 'NOT FOR PUBLICATION' footer in the lawyers letter will obviously be ignored. This stance is taken for four primary reasons:
a) There is no legal requirement to not publish the letter and the content and intent is of public interest.
b) Peebs.Net has always publicly maintained that any attack will be given full public disclosure.
c) The letter contains alleged quotations from private conversations in private forums. The Peebs.Net Forums are where members privately discuss material and jointly attempt to discover accuracy. Our own 'not for publication' instructions are therefore being ignored.
d) We run this site on behalf of the Peebs.Net community and the threat by the Exclusive Brethren to limit free speech is, in our opinion, a direct attack against this community.
We shall construct a suitable reply to the contents of this letter and will publish a copy here within a few days. Without doubt this interesting development will be discussed in depth within the private Peebs.Net Forums ... and indeed where, as usual, we shall disclose considerably more detail than we publish on this public web page.April 28th, 2005 (EB Background)
We have been contacted by Dr. Roger Shuff, UK who has recently published a book containing in-depth research into the Brethren, including the Exclusive Brethren.
28th April, 2005
Dear Editors
I am attaching images and details of my recently published book: 'Searching for the True Church: Brethren and Evangelicals in Mid- Twentieth-Century England'.
As commendations by several professional historians indicate, this is a study of the Brethren movement between 1935 and 1970 that has merited the award of a Doctorate by the Univeristy of Wales. Approximately one third of the material relates specifically to the Taylor group, drawing on a wide range of original sources (including the correspondence of Taylor junior) to throw light on events familiar to any who belonged to that group.
As someone who grew up under the leadership of Taylor junior in the 1960s, part of my motivation in taking on this project was to find answers to questions such as: how did I come to be involved with such an extraordinary group of Christians?; where did Brethren sit in relation to the broader Christian scene?; were they always as distinctive in their behaviour they became in the 1960s/70s? - and if not, how and why did they change? I am bringing the book to your attention as I believe many who visit Peebs.Net will be asking the same or similar questions to these.
As I am not in a position to respond personally to comments, questions etc., I would very much appreciate it if you would refrain from publicising my email address.
With Christian greetings
Rev Dr Roger Shuff, BD(Hons)
'Searching for the True Church: Brethren and Evangelicals in Mid- Twentieth-Century England'
(Note: Large file due to graphics - allow sufficient time to download)
Further information can be found on the Eisenbraun website which also contains a Table of Contents. We recommend that you order the book via Paternoster Press (Paternoster, PO Box 300, Carlisle, CA3 0QS, UK) as it appears considerably less expensive. A website address mentioned in the above document did not appear to work at the time we tested it - Paternoster website.
April 25th, 2005 (EB News)
In a revealing example of how the Exclusive Brethren prefer to deal with satirical comments and perceived public criticism, Michael Laws, the mayor of Wanganui, New Zealand, is about to learn whether his colleagues will cave in under pressure from a tiny but noisy group of six shrilly-indignant citizens representing a range of small-town minority interests.
April 23rd, 2005 (EB News)
We are reliably informed that Bruce D. Hales, the current worldwide leader of the Exclusive Brethren will be visiting Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom on Monday April 25th, 2005.
We have no further details at this time, but will post further information as it becomes available. As several news journalists have expressed a desire to interview Mr. Hales, we have also notified appropriate press agencies of the impending visit.
April 19th, 2005 (EB News)
The rather idyllic sounding Nillumbik Shire Council in south-eastern Australia is having a little problem with the Exclusive Brethren.
A news report today briefly outlines a problem that is becoming increasingly a concern to large and small municipalities around the world. It would seem that the Exclusive Brethren are starting to discover the fruit of labeling society as "evil" and the reward of keeping your neighbors at arms-length.
April 19th, 2005 (EB Breaking News)
Reliable sources confirm that Brisbane City Council will be appealing the initial Australian Supreme Court findings announced March 25th, 2005 on this web page. The decision to appeal was announced within the Bulimba Exclusive Brethren gathering as recently as last week. We anticipate that official confirmation will be forthcoming in the very near future as we understand hearings may be scheduled within the next 3 months.
This on-going case has important ramifications for the reclusive and secretive world-wide Exclusive Brethren. Although the EB state they welcome members of the public to their meeting rooms and thus claim annual tax breaks worth millions of dollars, the reality of public access to Exclusive Brethren gatherings is rather different.
Recognizing this, the Brisbane City Council have been fighting for a review of the Exclusive Brethren charitable tax status for a number of years - an issue that has dogged the EB in several other nations may at last be coming to a head.
Contact Brisbane City Council and offer any support and advice you may have - access http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and write direct to the Lord Mayor.
April 13th, 2005 (EB News)
Followers of the News pages on this site will recall the response
from Ross and Shirley Hales to Warren McAlpin's story published as part of
the Exclusive Brethren - Breaking
Asunder earlier this year.
There have been developments in an entirely 'normal' Exclusive Brethren strategy in their standard reaction to any reports that are incompatible with their self-image - contrary to biblical teaching, they hire lawyers.
This may have worked historically, but at last some have had enough. With growing media interest and a complete commitment to factual disclosure, we are pleased to bring you an update:
- Lawyer Letter to Warren McAlpin (April 4th, 2005)
- Warren McAlpin reply to Ross and Shirley Hales (April 12th, 2005)
There is a surge of media interest in this site and specifically in your stories. Warren is bravely standing up to the threats and is determined to tell the Truth. We stand by him with complete support. There are literally hundreds of you that have similar stories. The media are our strongest ally - we encourage you to respond to the current media request for information and to air your support for Warren, just one example of the hundreds of broken Exclusive Brethren families.
This is the reason Peebs.Net exists. As Warren quotes: "The Truth will set us free".
April 12th, 2005 (EB News)
You may recall a request last month for those willing to speak to a TV station. The response was excellent considering the 48 hours timescale we were given on that occasion!
We have again been contacted by a major TV network who are currently researching for a special TV program on the Exclusive Brethren. For fairly obvious reasons, we will not be disclosing publicly the identities of the network or the producers. We received the following request today and would ask any interested to contact us by email - info@peebs.net. Please place 'April 2005 TV program' in the Subject.
... [a national news television show]is interested in hearing from former Exclusive Brethren who have been isolated or separated from their families. We're interested in speaking to people confidentially and also looking for families to be interviewed on camera.Obviously this is yet another opportunity to increase public awareness of the damage caused to families by the Exclusive Brethren. The producers will respect confidentiality and are completely trustworthy. As stated before, this is the way we can help pull back those 'curtains of secrecy'.
April 8th, 2005 (EB Background)
There is obviously no shortage of funds available within the Exclusive Brethren. These 2003 UK documents indicate that they believe they are capable of raising over £1.9 Million ($3.4 Million) from among their own by private (tax deductible) donations.
The following request for funds to build a now easily recognizable EB Warehouse-type structure in the UK Chessington area, was seemingly intended to be circulated internationally.
We have been asked to note that Ross Anderson, one of the signatories to the document, has since died.
April 6th, 2005 (EB Background)
An illuminating submission dated December 2003 regarding the surprisingly technologically
advanced Hughes Travel Trust - one of the Exclusive Brethren travel agencies.
Computers, faxes and internet connections are all reported to be used by
these EB organizations.
April 4th, 2005 (EB Background)
An interesting submission dated March 2003 that covers events in September 1985
apparently documenting some of the last witnessed words of James Symington. Obviously
of particular interest is the apparent death-bed endorsement of John S. Hales
as the next 'elect vessel'. It would certainly appear that John Hales (father
of the current Exclusive Brethren leader) considered it to be an endorsement.
(Note: This file is 240K in size. Allow sufficient time to download.)
Unlike the modern Roman Catholic church, the selection of a new Exclusive Brethren leader is not the result of any form of democratic process. This unfortunately opens the door to potential abuses of power - such as nepotism.
March 30th, 2005 (EB News)
It is admittedly an unusual career-move (from radio personality and popular satirist
to city mayor) but Michael Laws, mayor of Wanganui, New Zealand has now found
that the Exclusive Brethren do not exactly have a sense of humor.
Although Laws did not call the Exclusive Brethren "boobs" or "bastards" (terms which they use to describe one another), he did call them "nutters" and suggested that "... they should be bred out of the gene pool".
It would appear that the Exclusive Brethren took offence to this and other satirical comments even though they have already separated themselves from any possibility of normal gene pool participation in Wanganui - and in every community in which they can be found around the world.
- Laws scrutinized under conduct rules
- Wanganui Code of Conduct complaints (Press Release)
- Mayor snubs 'Kangaroo Court'
March 26th, 2005 (EB News)
A fairly well-researched article has just appeared in the QLD Sunday Mail in Australia. It provides some interesting insights into how the Bulimba decision was reached.
Those of us who know the Exclusive Brethren well, also know that the EB-spin that general public are free to attend any meeting is utterly false. The best anyone can hope for is to be vetted carefully by the local priests prior to the doubtful permission being granted to join the EB in their 'windowless-warehouses'.We hope that this issue is one that will not go away.
 | It is difficult to decipher even the trace of a Welcome in a standard Exclusive Brethren Meeting Room sign - this one is located in the UK. The real reason for the sign is in the small print - registered pursuant to Places of Worship registration Act 1855 & General Rate Act 1967. Note that no service times are given - only the telephone numbers for the local trustees. Make no mistake, the sole reason for the Board is ... Money. Brisbane City Council knew this and did their best to highlight the issue. We trust that they will appeal. |
Feel free to express your support for the Brisbane City Council efforts by writing direct to the Lord Mayor - that email and other contact information is on the following web site - http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
March 25th, 2005 (EB News)
Several out-of-date web-sites report a softening of the Exclusive Brethren approach toward family on the outside. This seemed the case back in 2002 when there were sudden surges of contact with outsiders and even apologies for their often-times vicious behavior toward those who had dared to speak out. Strangely, this openness seemed to coincide with heightened media interest at the time.
Those who have enjoyed brief reunions with family are now sensing a new coolness; barriers are once again being placed between parents and children; the evil that is Exclusive Brethren 'Separation' is starting to force the doors to close once again.
We received a letter today from Ray Gilliland from Birmingham, England who has asked us to publish his letter as a warning. As it seems entirely in line with other recent correspondence from around the world, we publish Ray's letter below:
The Day of Grace is ending...
Well, it had to happen soon - the Day of Grace is ending! For all those of you who have seen your loved ones in the Peebs after many years, it is all about to come to an end.
Last year I was able to catch up with my sister and her family in Coventry after 26 years and last week my brother was over from Germany where he lives to go with me and visit them. He hadn't seen her for 23 years. The day before the visit they called to say that they had had a 'crisis' and couldn't see us - in fact they wouldn't be able to see me again because they felt that my visits to them had developed in to something of a social nature and they couldn't go along with that. They hoped that they had shown me the 'spirit of the Gospel' and would continue to pray for me to come to a 'right place'. In other words, as I had not gone back to the Peebs or in fact shown any interest in doing so, then the time had come to close the door again!
My ex wife was only telling me a few days before this how her brothers in the Peebs had become very cool towards her and her sister and she is now worried that they may stop her visiting her elderly mother who she made contact with after thirty years.
You have been warned - if you haven't seen those relatives who are still in there yet you need to hurry.
Ray Gilliland
25th March, 2005
March 25th, 2005 (EB News)
Underlining a 'how can this be?' response from around the world, the
Asia-based online newspaper Electric New Page comments today on the recent praise
given to Exclusive Brethren schools by David Bell, the Chief
Inspector of Schools in England.
The relevant section of the Annual Education report can be viewed on UK's OFSTED web site - http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/annualreport0304/1.922.htm.
Elsewhere, the Report praises the "moral and social development" within independent schools - this would seem strange in application to Exclusive Brethren schools as their concept of Separation is hardly beneficial to general social integration.
March 25th, 2005 (EB News)
Today comes news from Australia where a long-term battle has been raging between the City of Brisbane and an Exclusive Brethren gathering in Bulimba. The EB were able to retain their tax-exempt status - although the City has yet to announce whether or not they will appeal the decision.
The Supreme Court finding clears a $380,000 debt accrued between 1994 and 2004 on the group's local headquarters, a large industrial warehouse-type red brick windowless building enclosed by secure fencing on a 2.37 hectare (5.8 acres) property at 91 Lytton Rd, Bulimba.
The understandable frustration of Brisbane City Council is apparent in the following news report:
March 24th, 2005 (Site News)
Our appeal for help in Forum Moderation has been successful. Those who responded are in process of discussing how they will accomplish the task. We anticipate that we will be in a position to reopen the Forums in a matter of a few days once the Moderators indicate they are ready.
Our thanks to those who are volunteering for this obviously necessary function.
March 24th, 2005 (EB News)
We have been sent details of two interesting documents located in the library
for the devolved Scotland Government web site (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/).As
usual, from an Exclusive Brethren perspective, these letters signed by WalterS.
Paterson (Edinburgh) and John C. Steven (Glasgow)deal
with comments regarding legislation that potentially affects EB money supply.
Regarding: Draft Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill
March 23rd, 2005 (Site News)
Back to work ...
One of those rare moments occurred a few days ago - news media coverage that managed to applaud something related to the Exclusive Brethren. This is indeed a rare event and so we have pleasure in bringing two current news stories to you from many thousands of miles apart:
- "Top marks for sect schools that shun the modern world"
- "Unworldly sect schools praised by British inspector: report"
It's a shame that the output of these doubtlessly excellent schools are barred from further studies after the age of 17. Such a short-sighted doctrine forces the Exclusive Brethren to recruit professional teachers from outside themselves. Until the first Exclusive Brethren University or College of Further Education is accredited, this form of academic self-crippling will continue.
March 23rd, 2005 (Site News)
Well! Sometimes a combination of flu, computer troubles and general busy professional lives can reap a level of havoc - but nothing like the extraordinary contents of recent Forum threads!
We're absolutely fine - and thank you to the many who have written. This site is fully paid-up, the focus is unchanged and we have no intention of going anywhere. The ill-wishes of a few are vastly out-weighed by the support of the majority.
If anything, the opinions and guesswork of a handful of 'unusual' people are just that. In our opinion this all goes to prove two things:
1. We are all damaged - some fairly obviously more than others; and
2. The Forums require considerable Moderation if they are to serve any form of useful purpose.
We would welcome applications from interested individuals who would be willing to act as Moderators for the Peebs.Net Forums. Our task is entirely separate from the day-to-day conversations and discussions that occur and the time involved is not assisting the completion of various vital projects in process.
The task will obviously require a level of daily commitment and it would be excellent if a rota of individuals could be formed to share the effort.
There is almost a 3 week backlog of work that we are sorting through. Please send any news you may pick up in the normal way. Watch the News page for updates. The Guestbook should be back online shortly - but we will be changing the software as it appears unreliable.
Happy Easter!March 23rd, 2005 (EB Background)
The latest chapter in Behind Closed Doors is now available. Chapter 20 may be viewed by clicking on the above banner.
Following some technical difficulties (space-related), Peebs.Net is in process of securing extra servers. The main site sections will remain as is, but the growing forums will be re sited shortly. Thank you for your patience.
"To err is human, but for a real mess you need computers..."
March 1st, 2005 (EB News)
As most are aware, there was a BBC Documentary filmed and broadcast in 2003 that
covered some aspects of the Exclusive Brethren. It resulted in the BBC web site
coverage which has helped spread the word about Exclusive Brethren activity.
Those who were involved with that broadcast will know that there was some heavy editing following Exclusive Brethren representation to the BBC. The Exclusive Brethren were forewarned by too much advance information on an earlier web site.
An independent TV channel is about to rectify some of the omitted information- particularly as it relates to the way the Exclusive Brethren break-apart families.This, of course, is of great interest to Peebs.Net and this community. We have been approached and asked to ensure confidentiality of precise details concerning this broadcast - but at the same time, ask all those who are interested in telling their story to urgently contact Peebs.Net so that we can place you in direct contact.
This is an urgent request. You have less than 48 hours to respond.
Do not hesitate to contact Peebs.Net if you wish your story to be considered for this broadcast. We don't need your full story - just an outline and full personal contact information that will be immediately forwarded by Peebs.Net.
Email Peebs.Net at info@Peebs.Net and place TV Broadcast in the Subject.