We have received confirmed reports that Bruce Hales, the current world-wide leader of the Exclusive Brethren, is once again unwell. BDH would appear to be suffering from a recurrence of the mysterious illness that kept him voluntarily incommunicado for some time immediately following his tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
Dr. Roger Kirkpatrick of Brisbane is reported to have temporarily taken over the reins as Leader. Dr. Kirkpatrick, described as a close family member, is believed to also be the attending physician to the Hales family. Dr. Kirkpatrick is known to prescribe antidepressants and other medication to a number of Exclusive Brethren.
Antidepressants are used to treat moderate to severe depressive illnesses. They are also used to help the symptoms of severe anxiety, panic attacks and obsessional problems. They may also be used to help people with chronic pain, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. (Source) Many ex-EB will recognize the above symptoms.October 18th, 2004 (ex-EB News)
|
One of the original ex-Peebs, a much-loved Cynthia 'Cindy' White passed away on October 17th, 2004. A special bio link has been formed on her web-site. Many knew Cindy as one of the most joyful and compassionate people they had ever met. Her exuberance and love of life was contagious. 'Lady Cynthia' was a talented Milliner, calling upon EB roots when she was forced to wear a head-covering. She typically turned that memory into a display of joyful art and talent that can still be enjoyed on her web-site - LadyCynthia.com.
Those who knew Cindy will miss her dreadfully. Peebs.Net welcomes suitable written and photographic contributions that will help form a Memory Page for the unique and beautiful lady we knew as Cindy - indeed, "a one-woman show". |
October 18th, 2004 (Site News)
October 17th, 2004 (EB News)
The Exclusive Brethren lost one of their more reliable 'expert witnesses' October 9th, 2004 with the death of Dr. Bryan Wilson. An avowed agnostic, Dr. Wilson was hired by the EB whenever a guaranteed EB-friendly view was judged to be beneficial. Dr. Wilson offered a similar service to the Jehovah Witnesses cult.
October 14th, 2004 (ex-EB News)
John Weightman writes:
| Re: Mr James (Jimmy) Weightman dec'd Firstly, may I thank all those who have so kindly written to me since the death of my father. Your sympathy is much appreciated. Secondly, I phoned my relative on the Tuesday following my father's death (he died in the small hours of Monday morning) to enquire after them and ask about funeral arrangements. To be fair, it was not my intention to seek to attend as I had already had such great comfort seeing my father whilst he was alive. Further, I was aware that even if I were to attend, I would feel very out of place. In addition, it would involve the second 1,000 mile round trip in 3 days, and for what? I was nevertheless somewhat taken aback to be told that the funeral would take place at 7.15 the following morning, making my attendance impossible. Once again, my thanks to you all. I will in due course write individually to you. Best wishes John |
October 7th, 2004 (ex-EB News)
The long-running defense by John Wallis in the EB-instigated legal action against him seems finally to have come to an end. A Notice of Discontinuance was filed yesterday by the EB Plaintiffs, indicating that the EB's have at last officially given up trying to manufacture a Statement of Claim against John. You will recall the August 8th News headlines in the Oz press when the EB suddenly dropped their Defamation suit against John and paid him AUS$25,000. Since that time they have been unable to produce a single item for the court-requested Statement of Claim. Many 'wriggle' letters flowed back and forth and eventually the EB's were forced to file for an extension. It was just smoke. The Notice of Discontinuance was 'slipped under the door' yesterday. As you can see from the updated legal documents, it appears that the only impact they were capable of achieving was to ensure that John had to pay extra legal bills. We applaud your determination and courage John.
October 6th, 2004 (Site News)
As is hopefully obvious, the site design has been slightly renovated. Now that the Forums are under new administration, Peebs.Net has a little more time to look at ergonomics and general site matters. The New Look is an idea that may or may not work - let us now if you hate or like the 'castle approach'. A plan is to eventually fly different colored flags on the left hand turret if there's updated News (red) or important Forum announcements (blue). Send us your ideas via Feedback (now called 'Peebs.Net' on the menu).
October 4th, 2004 (ex-EB News)
John Weightman writes: Monday, 4th October, 2004 My father, Mr James (Jimmy) Weightman formerly of Newcastle upon Tyne but latterly Portsmouth, passed away this morning. My mother, Doreen, died 2 years ago. I had the joy of regaining a measure of contact over the last 18 months or so and was privileged to be at his side through most of the last 72 hours . Whilst heavily sedated he responded from time to time, recognizing my family and myself and smiling. At one point I thanked him for being a 'good dad.' Despite his extreme weakness he put his arm around me and hugged me. We were able to pray with him alone and it was quite evident that he became content that his own concerns about us were satisfied: he seemed to recognize that, with everything else stripped away, we were together children of the same Heavenly Father and claimed the same Saviour. My wife and I are at peace that reconciliation has been full. I sang to him 'Safe in the Arms of Jesus' to which the response was a gentle squeeze of the hand. Despite all that has passed I was treated by everyone else with kindness and courtesy and even respect for where I am today. There were no pressured demands but rather considerable interested enquiry about a variety of topics both to do with my own belief and my work with young offenders. My opinion was sought on a whole raft of matters so I hope I was able to witness how it was possible to try to put Jesus Christ at the center of one's life and yet live in the world where we have so much to do in the way of Christianity in action . I am very grateful. He was a good father and his kindness and sweetness, yet strength, were what was so evident at the end. He had suffered much in his earlier life as a prisoner of war for 5 years but his spirit was indomitable. I will miss him.
You can contact John by email: john@johnweightman.charitydays.co.uk.
October 1st, 2004 (Site News)
The responsibility for day-to-day administration and management of the Peebs.Net Forums is in process of being delegated to others. We understand that the Forums should be fully operational once more during next week. Peebs.Net remains responsible for site security and therefore no re-registration is required - your original Username will still work. If you have specific questions regarding the change or suggestions as to any change of format, contact the new Forum Administrators at: forums@peebs.net. The Peebs.Net Team continues to be available at info@peebs.net for all non-Forum matters. We welcome the new initiative and believe this transition will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Peebs.Net as it continues to focus on its original mission. Update: The new Forum Administrators have prepared an Info Sheet and Feedback form regarding their proposed changes to the Forums. This is your chance to have some input, so click on the temporary red button in the menu.
September 28th, 2004 (EB News)
Originally published in May 2002 in Oz's ABC News, the following submitted article highlights the importance of EB income to smaller communities.
September 21st, 2004 (EB News + Commentary)
It would appear that the Exclusive Brethren are serious about their efforts to enter the world of politics. There have been several rumors of political activity and comments and it is time to bring some of these snippets together as, in particular, the USA presidential elections are now only 6 weeks away. From the Manawatu Evening Standard, Monday 20th 2004. An extract from a letter written by Matthew Goudie (EB from Palmerston North, NZ):
"... President Bush knows Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and understands his responsibility as minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil (Romans 13)It would appear confirmed that the EB's now attend the cinema - either that or Mr Goudie will soon be receiving his meals on a tray. What is unclear is whether President Bush is now able to break bread with the EB's after such a glowing Letter of Commendation. We have forwarded Mr. Goudies' comments to the White House.
The support from Prime Ministers Howard and Blair is to be applauded.
Fahrenheit 9/11 is an unabashed attempt to remove Mr Bush from office. It employs distortions, manipulative speech, deceits and out-and-out lies to sway unsuspecting minds. This subversive propaganda should be banned. ... May God continue to bless America, its president and its allies."
(president@whitehouse.gov) President Bush and others may note that there seems to be plenty of Money available: And of course, this site reported the following BDH quotation last June:
"If George Bush and Tony Blair are not returned to office, then the Rapture is very near."The logical impact of the BDH quote would seem to indicate that the Exclusive Brethren are now attempting to delay the Rapture. Are we right in suggesting that the Rapture was always something to look forward to in EB philosophy? Perhaps they feel they might not yet be ready to be considered a 'blameless bride'? This topic and others arising are currently under discussion in the Peebs.Net Forum.
- Bruce D. Hales
September 21st, 2004 (Site News)
Some are experiencing problems with opening PDF files from this site. If you are receiving messages similar to: "does not begin with %pdf" then please read the appropriate entry on the Peebs.Net Forums FAQ section. (Connect via the site menu)
September 20th, 2004 (EB Commentary)
We were sent this Rick Jones column which originally appeared in the Wairarapa Times on June 9th, 2004. This article may describe an acceptable public face of the Exclusive Brethren, but Rick appears to be under no illusions as to where the money was going.
September 16th, 2004 (Special Report - UPDATE)
The 'shadow-chasing' Peeb Watch concept is already producing results. A relatively simple explanation of the new web-site and professional corporate imaging for 'ManorBlinds' is that the previous owner, EB Horace Parsons, sold the company in July 2003 and is now enjoying semi-retirement. The new owners suffer none of the technological restrictions of the previous EB owners and the new information also happily explains why the illustrated steel shutters are shown half-open. A similar story is developing in New Zealand, where we are informed EB Harland Mason sold a major farm equipment outlet in New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ for a "8 figure sum" at almost exactly the same time. Peebs.Net continues to investigate whether the 2003/2004 liquidation of successful EB businesses is simply coincidental or reflects a wider strategy. Any information you can provide would be useful.
September 15th, 2004 (Special Report)
We are delighted to bring you the first installment of what we hope will be an effective series called Peeb Watch, a series that uses reports submitted to Peebs.Net in order to shine a light on shadows ...
September 13th, 2004 (EB Background)
Peebs.Net has been sent a background document relating to a 1992 UK Court of Appeal judgment already reported in the Peebs.Net News Library Archive. This 'new' document makes compelling reading.
The original news report dates from 1992:
Written in a easily-readable style, this official document contains a remarkable study dealing with the Exclusive Brethren, their culture and the techniques they employ to maintain obedience. To assist reading of the scanned images, we have retained the original resolution. As a result, it is a large document and to assist those of you with slower internet connections, we have divided the download into several smaller packages:- Pages 1 - 3 (approx 1MB)
- Pages 4 - 6 (approx 1.1MB)
- Pages 7 - 9 (approx 1MB)
- Pages 10 - 12 (approx 1MB)
- Pages 13 - 15 (approx 1MB)
- Pages 16 - 18 (approx 1MB)
- All 18 Pages (6.2MB)
We at Peebs.Net feel that anyone who wishes to read a careful and relatively dispassionate legal view of the Exclusive Brethren should attempt to read this document. Many of us will recognize our story here too.
Members of the Peebs.Net Forum may wish to continue discussions in News Chat.
September 7th, 2004 (EB News)
An interesting article appears today in the NZ Nelson Mail, announcing plans for a new EB secondary school. It all sounds so normal...
September 1st, 2004 (SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT)
Today marks the 6th Anniversary for the Feeb Forum. Many have benefited from this long-running email-based community which has evolved into a strongly-knit 'Family' of Ex-EB. We particularly congratulate Feeb Founder, Jill Mytton not only for starting Feeb six years ago, but also for her specialist professional work with those who have been psychologically damaged through their association with the Exclusive Brethren.
August 31st, 2004 (EB News)
It would appear that NZ's Amalgamated Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has the bit firmly between their teeth in their current fight with Fort Richards Laboratories:
August 30th, 2004 (EB Commentary)
Michael Laws, one of our favorite NZ politicians, continues to make incisive comments regarding you-know-who in his weekly column. (see http://www.michaelformayor.co.nz)
|
"Sure, there are some silly old duffers here who would like nothing better than to halt all progress and convert Wanganui into some sort of Amish community. And given the growing number of Exclusive Brethren around these days, Im not entirely sure Im exaggerating. Soon half of Wanganui will lack windows." Wanganui Chronicle, 14 July 2003 "Good to see retiring city missioner Rev David Day standing for Council. He would bring a raft of relevant experience to the table and, Im sure, will be elected. Interesting also his commentary on the churches that refuse to participate in charity work in the city all the usual suspects Exclusive Brethren, St Pius X, Destiny." Weekly E-Column: 19 July 2004 |
August 25th, 2004 (EB News)
As expected, the NZ-based row over EB Maurice Clist forcing his non-EB employees to speak English during their lunch-hours has not yet evaporated. Follow the latest developments: A Peebs.Net Discussion Forum contains supplementary information to the above articles (for members only).
|
The Hon. David Benson-Pope (New Zealand portfolios include: Fisheries - Minister, Law Commission - Minister, Justice - Associate Minister, Environment - Associate Minister) stated in a speech delivered to the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers in July, 2004: |
"And I'm pleased to be able to greet you in a language other than English.The entire speech may be read here.If you have been following the headlines lately, then you'd be aware that that's an introduction I wouldn't be able to make in the lunchroom of Fort Richards Laboratories.
It's a sad and slightly disturbing case that any NZ business, especially one in Auckland, should insist its employees speak only English in the workplace as that firm did two weeks ago. Forget the law which they are breaking, but consider the intolerance needed to make such a demand of people in their own break time!
Interesting that their website lists 94 countries with which their operations interface! All no doubt requiring similar English speaking purity."
Further information on Hon. David Benson-Pope, may be found at NZ Government website. His email address is dbenson-pope@ministers.govt.nz
August 21st, 2004 (SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT)
We are delighted to announce the world-wide launch today (August 22nd, 2004 in New Zealand) of a new book titled Behind Closed Doors. The New Zealand author Ngaire Thomas is a member of the Peebs.Net Forum and is today bravely publishing a full-length book that honestly and intelligently opens those doors...
This is an intriguing first hand account of one family's experience as the author takes us behind closed doors, and gives us a glimpse of what life was like growing up in an Exclusive Brethren community, and tells us in plain non-judgmental style how hard it was for the family to eventually adapt to life on the outside.Click here for further information on the book, the author and details on how to order. Congratulations Ngaire! |
August 20th, 2004 (EB News)
The Mr Bruce in Christchurch 3 Day Meeting is also underway this weekend. There have been some unusual Meeting times which are being watched closely. The Friday Meetings started at 10:00am and followed the format of a Reading followed by 6 Addresses. There was then a 45 minute break before a final Reading Meeting. Saturday was to start at 9.30am and follow the same or similar schedule.
August 9th, 2004 (EB News)
First reports are coming in of what can only be described as a stunning legal turnaround and victory for John Wallis in the 'John Wallis Case' that had been running for several years. The case was due to be heard today - Monday August 9th, 2004. The timing employed by the EB's is a fairly obvious example of brinkmanship; the decision only being relayed to John last Friday. News Interactive of Australia has one of the first public reports:
August 9th, 2004 (EB News)
The Cotswolds may be a beautiful area of United Kingdom, but not everything is open to the many tourists that visit each year. A genre of building that springs to mind is the occasional EB Meeting Room. Due to their ongoing geographical consolidation (read 'easier to manage'), the EB's have applied for Planning Permission to the Longborough Parish Council / Cotswold District Council. For some reason, many of the villagers are upset ... This article is also being discussed in the Forum - News Chat.
August 8th, 2004 (EB News - Confirmed)
Bruce Hales will be visiting Invercargill, New Zealand on Wednesday August 18th, 2004 prior to the 'Mr. Bruce in Christchurch' 3-Day Meeting which commences August 20th, 2004.
July 30th, 2004 (EB News)
An Australian Guest reports:
The Australian Federal Government yesterday announced sweeping changes to the Family Law Act. These include: equal shared parental rights between parents, the recognizing of the rights of grandparents, 65 new centers for advice across Australia, dispute resolution and early intervention services. The new centers will be helped run by "Church and Community Groups". Those of us who have been actively campaigning for these changes are obviously delighted. So Mr BDH, not only do the Government listen but they are putting in place changes to stop your past use of the secrecy of the Family Court system. For too long now, the EB have hidden behind the closed doors of their own little world and the closed walls of the Australian Family Court. The way they have financially bled the bank accounts of many through costly legal battles and legal tactics just to see our own children, is about to come to an end. In memory of Andrew H____, who took his own life following the cruel separation of his children from him.