Secretive Christian Sect Members Allegedly Told to Lie About Voting Beliefs While Campaigning for Coalition
Members of the secretive Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) are reportedly receiving instructions to conceal their religious objections to voting while volunteering for Coalition candidates in marginal seats across Australia — a move raising concerns about transparency and political influence.
Footage and eyewitness reports have surfaced showing Brethren members staffing pre-poll booths, including in the marginal seat of Curtin in Western Australia, currently held by independent MP Kate Chaney. One church member was recorded saying she typically doesn’t vote due to her beliefs but was “supporting the Liberals” because of cost-of-living concerns.
Former PBCC members told, they were prohibited from voting due to religious doctrine, which teaches that “there is no authority except from God” and that “citizenship is in heaven.”
Leaked internal messages, reportedly seen by the ABC, allegedly instructed members on how to respond to questions while campaigning — encouraging them to deny any church affiliation and to state they were volunteering because they wanted to “improve Australia.” The messages also advised members to say they would vote, despite the church’s long-standing teachings discouraging it.
One ex-member said, “They’ve literally been told to lie about the fact that they don’t vote.”
In response, the PBCC denied issuing coordinated instructions or engaging in political campaigning. “Our church does not campaign for, nor support, any political parties,” a spokesperson said, adding that some members do choose to vote and engage in politics, while others do not.
Liberal candidate for Curtin Tom White said he was unaware of any organised campaign by the PBCC and noted he has never asked his volunteers about their religious affiliations. Opposition leader Peter Dutton also denied any formal involvement of the church with the Liberal Party but welcomed volunteer support from all faith backgrounds.
The PBCC, previously known as the Exclusive Brethren, has a controversial political history and was known to support former Liberal leader John Howard in the past.
