Correcting the record – “leaked recordings”
Reports by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on 14 June 2026 made multiple false claims in an attempt to draw a link between the 2025 Australian election and audio recordings of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church bible readings from 2003.
Below is the full statement and answers we provided to the journalist along with his verbatim questions.
A spokesperson for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church said:
“The recordings you have been provided are from more than 20 years ago. Over the decades since the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church was founded, its practices and norms have evolved, just like many other religious groups.
“Every week historical recordings of gospel preachings and bible readings are reshared online so the brethren can listen to them in their own time.
“Similar to written ministries, these are made available as ‘helpful ministry’ and for the benefit of members of the church.
“The narrative you have crafted and continue to push is certainly getting very creative but remains incorrect.”
Question from Michael Bachelard: “On your website and in your communications, you paint the PBCC as a normal religion just like other religions. However, these recordings appear to demonstrate a level of control over the minutiae of “the saints'” daily lives and activities that is outside the norm. What do you say to this?”
Answer: See above.
Question from Michael Bachelard: [Bruce] Hales points out that rubbing shoulders with the world in all public spheres is a breach, a compromise, an involvement, a link. Can you explain how being involved in the election campaign is not a breach of separation?”
Answer: We refer you to our previous statements on the 2025 Federal Election.
Question from Michael Bachelard: “[Bruce] Hales points out that wearing short skirts, pants for women etc, is a breach. Hales preached in 2004 against “badges … any signification that we belong to something else other than Christ”, including on company uniforms. How was the wearing of candidate t-shirts not a breach?”
Answer: We refer you to our previous statements on the 2025 Federal Election.
Question from Michael Bachelard: “Has any Brethren member faced assembly discipline for their dress during the campaign? Why not?”
Answer: The Church does not discipline its members for their clothing choices.
Question from Michael Bachelard: “Has any Brethren member faced assembly discipline for rubbing shoulders with the world? Why not?”
The Church does not discipline its members for “rubbing shoulders with the world”.
Question from Michael Bachelard: “Does the fact that all this was allowed to occur, despite the rules imposed and recently reiterated, suggest that this was indeed a church-organised effort and not the exercise of individual free will, in contrary to your submission?”
We refer you to our previous statements on the 2025 Federal Election.
ENDS
