"The Brethren Express" secret campaigning by the elusive Exclusive Brethren

[Swagman]

"The Brethren Express" as the election approaches,secret campaigning by the elusive Exclusive Brethren.

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2007/s2057172.htm

## in 2004, The Exclusive Brethren channelled $100,000 to the Bush campaign from a foreign donor.

"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."