Separated from the world’s evils. That is a core belief of the Exclusive Brethren. Their exclusiveness means staying away from anything they deem sinful. The Exclusive Brethren Church reflects this principle.
The Exclusive Brethren are a subset of the Plymouth Brethren. The split occurred in 1848. John Nelson Darby is considered the founder of the Exclusive Brethren. He believed the secular world was corrupt. He taught that believers should keep to themselves.
The Brethren faith arrived in New Zealand in 1850. Today, Greg Mason leads the church. In 2001, Statistics New Zealand counted 20406 Brethren. About 5000 are Exclusive Brethren. Worldwide, they number around 40000.
The Exclusive Brethren adhere to a strict code. This code is based on their interpretation of the Bible. They separate themselves from other people. This includes other Christians. They believe the world is full of sin.
Exclusive Brethren cannot attend university. They are not allowed televisions or radios. Cinemas and theaters are forbidden. Reading newspapers or fiction is prohibited. They cannot use computers or own mobile phones. Voting in elections and military service are also forbidden. They cannot join any group that includes outsiders. They cannot form friendships or eat with non-members. Outsiders are known as “worldlies”.
Members who break these rules must confess. They must confess their sin during church meetings. They must demonstrate their repentance. If they do not repent they face consequences. They could be banned from worship. They might be isolated from family. Contact is limited to specific church members. This continues until priests decide God has forgiven them.
A central authority strictly controls the Exclusive Brethren Church. Open Brethren allow autonomy. Exclusive Brethren do not. The leader has absolute power. The leader appoints priests. They resolve rule breaches. They approve marriages. They decide punishments.
Leaving the Exclusive Brethren Church has severe consequences. Former members cannot contact anyone still in the church. This includes their own relatives. Many work in Brethren-owned companies. Leaving means losing their jobs and homes.
Brethren women wear white or blue headscarves. Their hair must be long and uncut. Men must have short hair and be clean shaven. They are not allowed to wear ties. Members marry within the church. Divorce is rare. Large families are encouraged.
The meeting rooms of the Exclusive Brethren are simple. They often lack windows. This reinforces their separation from the outside world. Hymns are central to their worship. They use a common hymnbook. It unifies the different branches. The first collection was “Hymns for the Poor of the Flock”. Another is “Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Little Flock”.
Some critics accuse the Exclusive Brethren. They say the church uses cult-like techniques. They control all aspects of members’ lives. The church uses “withdrawing from” or shunning. This is used against members who are believed to have offended. Some former members struggle to adjust to life outside the church. Websites offer assistance to those who have left.
Despite the controversies the Exclusive Brethren remain a distinct community. They are defined by their strict beliefs. Their commitment to separation shapes every aspect of their lives. The Exclusive Brethren Church stands as a symbol. It symbolizes their unwavering dedication to their faith and principles.