Behind the Exclusive Brethren
Michael Bachelard
'Shocking and compelling. Michael Bachelard has written an eye-opening account of power and cruelty in a tiny Christian sect that enjoys a privileged existence in Australia.'
David Marr'One of the most sober and well-argued exposés I have ever read … Michael Bachelard reveals the Brethren's God as Mammon, their behaviour as that of schoolyard bullies, and their Christianity all about self-love.'
Lucy Sussex (Sunday Age)'Bachelard, by diligent interviewing, is a sound witness of some of the damage, and has made a better effort than some other critics to discuss it with the other side.'
Jack Waterford (Canberra Times)Out of nowhere in 2004, an obscure religious sect burst onto the political stage in Australia. Almost unheard of until then, the Exclusive Brethren was suddenly spending up big in election advertising in support of conservative political parties. But its members were shy to the point of paranoia about who they were — preferring, as they said, to ‘fly under the radar’. Brethren members assiduously lobbied politicians, but did not vote. And they were very close to the-then prime minister John Howard.
What exactly was their interest in politics? Why did their activism suddenly blossom almost simultaneously across the world, from Canada and the United States to Sweden and Australia? And how did a small, fringe group, whose values are utterly detached from those of most Australians infiltrate the highest office in the land?
Michael Bachelard uncovered the facts about this secretive sect for more than two years while working as an investigative reporter at The Age. The result of his inquiries is the most comprehensive book ever written about the Exclusive Brethren. It details their origins in the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century, their fractious history, their extraordinary use of scripture to control members and dissidents, and their lucrative business and financial arrangements. It’s a fascinating story of influence and power exercised across several continents. But it’s a very human story, too — of damaged lives, of broken families, and of hurt and anger that stretches back decades.
'If you thought you knew it all, then think again! Michael Bachelard's account of the Exclusive Brethren will leave you dumbfounded. Every Australian must read this book.'
Dimitri Gonis (Readings Monthly Newsletter)'A serious, sensitively written account of a controversial and little understood sect. Skilfully combining history, investigative reporting and impassioned advocacy, Behind the Exclusive Brethren is a great read.
Lyndon Megarrity (Australian Book Review)'The Brethren resist scrutiny, and the release of Bachelard's magnum opus of investigative journalism will challenge their hierarchy, perhaps to the extent that they will understand why their energetic engagement with the body politic attracts scrutiny consistent with the value society places on transparency.'
John Gunson (Eureka Street)Bachelard's account of the sect's dealings with the Howard Government is especially revealing. The book is dedicated to those who suffered and continue to suffer under the Exclusive Brethren, and rightly so: readers will come away from the book infuriated by the teachings and practices of this community and the way of life it imposes on its members.'
Ben Kooyman (Adelaide Review)'This is a very fair assessment of the modus operandi of an influential Christian sect.'
(Sydney Morning Herald)'This is investigative reporting as it is supposed to be done and, for that reason alone, it is worth adding this book to your Christmas shopping list. Behind the Exclusive Brethren deserves to be widely read and talked about.'
Sandra Hogan (Media & Culture)Michael Bachelard
Michael Bachelard is an Australian journalist and author. His first book, The Great Land Grab: what every Australian should know about Wik, Mabo and the Ten-Point Plan was published in 1997. In 1998 he joined The Australian to work in its Melbourne bureau, where he was the workplace relations writer, the Melbourne business and finance editor, and the Victorian political reporter. In 2005 he was awarded a Jefferson Fellowship in journalism, and travelled to the US, China, and Japan for a study tour into China’s growth and burgeoning influence.
Michael Bachelard was formerly part of The Age’s investigative team, and he now writes for The Sunday Age. In 2008 he won a Quill award for best news report in print.
Buy from Readings
Format: Pb
Extent: 320pp
Size: 210mm x 135mm
ISBN (13): 9781921640230
RRP: $27.95
Pub date: December 2009
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