The story of Craig Hoyle is an indictment of the Exclusive Brethren.
In the uniform and monochromatic world of the Exclusive Brethren, Craig was a splash of unacceptable color. He was gay. He was a spirited free-thinker. He refused to conform. So the self-described ‘christian’ Exclusive Brethren excommunicated him and his cult-member parents kicked their 20 year old son out of their home, telling him never to return.
There are a number of articles on this site and elsewhere that describe the often horrific events leading up to his excommunication.
Today, Craig is literally ‘Moving On’. A thoroughly modern young man, Craig has embraced the power of social media and has formed a large network of friends and fans who are encouraging the attempts by Craig to speak out, deal with his appalling treatment by the cult and to begin a new life.
Aspiring to a career in Journalism, Craig is already displaying his skills in blending words, humor and visual acuity. We will keep these video journals updated regularly. Meanwhile and in any case, visit Craig and Brucie Bear on their Facebook page.
Moving On
1. Brucie Bear makes his debut
2. Brucie Bear Moves On
3. Brucie Bear arrives in Britain
4. Brucie Bear replies to an Email
5. Brucie Bear enjoys a whisky
Other Information about Craig
Part 1 – What is it like to be gay in the Exclusive Brethren?
Part 2 – Excommunication fron the Exclusive Brethren
Part 3 - After the Exclusive Brethren: Craig looks ahead
News – Exclusive Brethren intimidation tactics caught on film
The story behind the following Today Tonight Australian news footage is even more dramatic than the high-speed car chases, mindless intimidation and the images of squirming cult members.
The underlying facts here involve the heart-wrenching story of an Exclusive Brethren teenager who is confused as to his sexual identity. In any tolerant and modern social environment, this is a topic for discussion, understanding and above all, caring. It is an opportunity to display love and compassion.
This would be the case in almost any community, Christian or not, but here we deal with the Exclusive Brethren …
Craig Hoyle also featured in a December 2009 episode of 60 Minutes on NZ TV
Final Part of the Craig Hoyle story
And immediately, we refute our own heading – no way is this the final instalment in the story of Craig Hoyle! The bubbly infectious personality that Craig enjoys means that this 20 year old man has many more pages to write.
Craig had the courage to publicize his experiences as a young gay male both within and then outside the homophobic Exclusive Brethren cult. The stories he has told of disciplinary measures, ‘chemical castration’ and the manner in which even his own family was forced to disown him has shocked all who have followed his story.
This website has received hate-mail for even reproducing his story! Comments from several Exclusive Brethren members have been so obnoxious that they could not be printed even after editing. How a group that attempts to call themselves ‘christian’ can produce members who offer such hate-filled correspondence is beyond extraordinary, it is perhaps the most compelling argument of all that the Exclusive Brethren are no longer Christian.
They have extensive historical Christian roots and up to 40 years ago, they were well respected in all areas of society. The impact of American James Taylor Junior in the 1960′s and subsequent leaders has been spiritually catastrophic. The Taylor/Symington/Hales branch of the Exclusive Plymouth Brethren is rightly described as a cult by many today.
The story of Craig Hoyle was published in late 2009 by GayNZ.com and it led to Craig’s appearance on NZ’s 60 Minutes. (Click here or the image above to watch the TV3 episode)
Read the three Craig Hoyle Articles:
Part 1 – What is it like to be gay in the Exclusive Brethren?
Part 2 – Excommunication fron the Exclusive Brethren
and Part 3 - After the Exclusive Brethren: Craig looks ahead
Craig Hoyle, NZ
Part 2 of the Craig Hoyle story
If you ever wondered how the Exclusive Brethren treat those who dare to question their rules and lifestyle, Craig Hoyle’s continuing story will tell you far more than you probably want to know.
Craig Hoyle is gay – a ‘mortal sin’ and, as far as the Exclusive Brethren cult are concerned, a sickness that must be suppressed and cured. The way that Craig was treated is both heart-rending and anger-inducing.
How dare these people call themselves ‘Christian’!
We continue Craig’s story below. The first part of his journey can be read here - ‘What is it like to be gay in the Exclusive Brethren’ -
20-year-old Craig Hoyle, who was brought up in the Exclusive Brethren Church, risked losing everything when he told his priests and family he was gay.
After several meetings with church leaders, and a period under hormonal suppressant medication given to him by a Brethren doctor, Craig just couldn’t take it anymore. He was placed into the first stage of ‘excommunication’.
New Zealander Craig Hoyle
Part 1 of the Craig Hoyle Story
New Zealander Craig Hoyle is hilarious, intelligent, warm, loving … and gay. What is especially remarkable is that 20-year-old Craig Hoyle, like generations of his family, was brought up in the Exclusive Brethren Church – one of the most homophobic of modern-day cults.
As you read Craig’s story, you will begin to understand why his life became unbearable and why he decided he had no choice but to leave the Exclusive Brethren.
It is sad to add that Craig’s story is not unique – not by any means.
The special thing about Craig Hoyle is his courage.
We salute the man Craig Hoyle!
Notoriously isolationist and conservative, the Brethren started in the UK in the 1820s but it only arrived in Invercargill, NZ in December 1992. It now has around 160 members in NZ’s southern-most city.
The eldest in a family of seven children ranging down to nine years old, Craig until recently worked in his dad’s Invercargill tyre shop. His whole life, from his day to day work and leisure through to his lifetime prospects, were mapped out inflexibly, and enforced, by the church.
Perhaps it might have been a bearably conformist life if Craig wasn’t gay.
In his own words Craig, comfortable with being identified by his real name and background, tells his remarkable and inspirational story to GayNZ.com’s Matt Akersten.
Jury finds ex-Brethren guilty of indecency charges
Nelson Mail
New Zealand
October 14, 2009
A Nelson jury has found a former Exclusive Brethren man guilty of indecently assaulting four young girls, in a case in which charges dated back over 50 years.
Clive Ellen Petrie, 74, of Wakatu, was this afternoon found guilty of nine charges of indecently assaulting girls under age 12 and one charge of inducing a girl under age 12 to do an indecent act on him.
Petrie pleaded guilty to another charge of indecent assault on a girl at the start of his trial on Monday in the Nelson District Court.
The jury of nine women and three men took over four hours to return their verdict.
The Crown said the charges related to indecent assaults against four women when they were young girls in the 1950s, early 1960s with a further lot of offending against a fourth victim in the 1980s.
Source: Stuff.Co.NZ – Jury finds ex-Brethren guilty of indecency charges
Is Australia a ‘breeding ground’ for cults?
Question:
What do the ‘Brisbane Christian Fellowship’ and ‘The Exclusive Brethren Christian Fellowship’ have in common?
Possible Answers:
1 – They both have ‘Christian Fellowship’ in their preferred title?
2 – They both break up families?
3 – Their leaders both live in Australia?
4 – There are reports of sexual abuse in both organizations?
5 – Both are accused of spiritual and emotional abuse?
6 – Both are sparking demands for a full government level investigation?
7 – Investigative reporters have just published compelling books on both?
8 – They give Christianity a bad name?
9 – All of the above?
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