http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2007/s2057172.htm
On video
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20071015/brethren/default.htm
The Brethren Express
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 12/10/2007
They don't vote and they repudiate any organised role in politics. It's
God's call, they say, whether governments stand or fall.
But behind the scenes, members of the small, publicity-shy Exclusive
Brethren sect have developed a political muscle that surpasses their
numerical strength - and they enjoy flexing it.
In August, it was revealed that Exclusive Brethren elders had met with
the Prime Minister and the Treasurer, despite earlier disturbing exposes
(including on Four Corners) about how the church splits up families. The
Brethren have been linked sporadically to several recent election
campaigns, most notably in New Zealand.
But as Four Corners reveals, the Brethren have a vigorous and largely
untold political history going back at least to 1993, when John Hewson
lost the "unloseable" election to Paul Keating.
Four Corners follows the political trail of the Brethren over 14 years
and spells out how in the past few years its members have ramped up
campaigning, spending millions in state and federal elections and
overseas, including the USA.
Players say the Brethren are a force that cannot be ignored. "The
Exclusive Brethren are a real factor in changing votes," says Greens
leader and Brethren adversary Bob Brown. In New Zealand, it's claimed
clandestine campaigning by Brethren at one stage threatened the
Government.
This investigation calls into question the Brethren's claim that
political involvement is a matter for individuals. It explores how
Australian election advertising costing hundreds of thousands of dollars
was arranged, paid for and accounted for. In the USA, ex-Brethren tell
how they were marshalled for campaigns.
But why do Brethren bother with politics at all? Four Corners looks at
the conservative religious beliefs that have underpinned their recent
electioneering.
Quentin McDermott's report also examines how the Australia-headquartered
Brethren raise funds from abroad - a process nicknamed "the Brethren
Express", as an ex-member tells it.
"The Brethren Express" - on Four Corners, 8.30 pm Monday 15 October.
This program will be repeated about 11.35 pm Tuesday 16 October; also on
ABC2 at 9.30 pm Wednesday and 8 am Thursday.
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apatriot #1, atheist #1417,
Chief EAC prophet
Jason Gastrich is praying for me on 8 January 2009
Apatriotism Yahoo Group
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