The United Kingdom’s Church Times recently interviewed Rod Thomas, chairman of Reform.  Reform is described by Rod as:    “Reform is an Evangelical network in the Church of England, the aim of which is to preserve and foster gospel ministry. It’s as simple as that.” Rod Thomas is one of many who have tasted what it is like to live within the Exclusive Brethren: I was brought up in the most exclusive version of the Plymouth Brethren.

Leaving it opened up life in a way it hadn’t been opened before. I came out with the rest of my family, except my father. He was later excluded — probably for not being able to control his family. When you see these things happening, you know it has nothing to do with Christian love, nothing to do with standing firm in the faith.

The Peebs.Net Forums are full of stories that demonstrate the truth in Mr. Thomas’s remarks. Like many who have rediscovered that there can be enjoyment in their faith, Rod states:

I hope the first impression of my church is that it’s joyful and friendly. People say that. Emphasis on the Bible’s teaching is at the centre, and we’re in the process of change. We were a small church, now we’re a medium-sized church, and I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to change and grow.

Many will recall the words that Kevin Rudd, now Prime Minister of Australia used to describe the Exclusive Brethren in late 2007:

“I believe that this [the Exclusive Brethren] is an extremist cult and sect,” he said. “I also believe that it breaks up families.”

Web:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/22/2012097.htm

Rod Thomas confirms this opinion during the interview:

Being in the Exclusive Brethren and seeing the destructive effect it has on families has given me a lifelong love of the tolerance you find in the Church of England. Leaving was an important choice. So was marriage, and finding a church which taught me the Bible. And, of course, becoming ordained.

Read the rest of the interview:

Church Times

Interview: Rod Thomas chairman of Reform

by Terence Handley MacMath

Web:  http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=68164&print=1

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