News

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(3)


advertisement

Ex-Brethren members speak out over rules


6/ 2/2008

FORMER members of the religious sect that has taken over a Heaton Mersey school have spoken of their disgust at the way the group allegedly splits up families.

Last week, the Express revealed that the site of a former Catholic primary on Didsbury Road has been taken over by the highly secretive Exclusive Brethren.

As a result, Mereside Education Trust, a small independent school of 60 pupils, moved into the former site of St John Vianney primary in January.

But former members of the Brethren, which bans TV and is described by some as a "cult", say the group forcibly breaks up families by shunning anyone who leaves.

David Shorto, who left the Brethren with his wife and daughters in 1981 after being ostracised for watching the royal wedding on TV, says he has had no contact with his siblings or parents since - despite them only living round the corner.

Mr Shorto, of Abingdon Road, Bramhall, said: "I think the whole thing stinks. I don’t suppose their base philosophies have changed - they’re the church, and everything else is an error.

"They have no interest in anything other than themselves.

"I’ve got five siblings, most of whom live in this area, and they will have no contact with me at all. I wasn’t even told when my parents died."

And international website Peebs.net, a forum for ex-Brethren members, also got in touch with the Express. The website campaigns against the splitting of families - known as Separation - that can be caused by the group’s exclusivity.

They pointed out that the group’s beliefs should not be confused with evangelism, or right-wing Christian fundamentalists either, describing Separation as "sick", and adding: "They are in a self-made category of their own making and choosing."

Other people who read the story online were also vocal in their criticism of the sect, posting messages on our website.

One, calling themselves ‘Lyn Parry’, said: "The EB have a way of getting what they want and they have the money to do it with.

"No Christ in this religion. More wanting to get out that stay in, but can’t because of family ties.

"Plenty to keep people in too, security. If they leave they lose everything."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(3)


Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   Dudley says the EB are a cult and he is right. There is realy no christianity in the group. What he says is correct and this is what keeps people in the cult. There is a lot of suffering inside that group and a lot of wicked things going on too. The top men have their own "little empires" where they can exploit people all they want knowing it is difficult for anyone to speak out, or leave. The member or shall we put it this way - hostages- just shut up and put up with it and find solace in friendship with other abused members.
lyn parry
10/02/2008 at 01:07
   This is not a religion this is a CULT, I left at the age of 21 and was totally ostracised by my family when I did so, I lost my job (as I worked for the family business) I lost my home, and lost my family. They use this as a threat to frighten members from leaving, and believe me they carry it out! But it was they best thing I did, even though 33 years on I still miss my family. They think they are bigger than God!
bluenose666, Dudley
8/02/2008 at 17:24
Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now

Latest stories
 

 
Personal Finance
 

Balance Transfer
Card BT Fee
Virgin Credit Card 2.98%
MBNA Platinum 2.9%
Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
AA 7.9%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.2%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Lloyds TSB 8.9%
Abbey Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2b73df68ead0)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		4.50%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		1.75%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		2.25%
Fees may apply