Statement on Australian Federal Election campaign

Responding to questions regarding members of our Church volunteering in the Australian Federal Election campaign, a spokesperson for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church said:

“Everyone in Australia has the right to volunteer in elections irrespective of their religion, and members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have the same right.

“During this campaign, people of Jewish, Muslim and other faiths have become very politically active, with some even launching political parties and advocacy groups.

“The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is not involved in these kinds of political activities.

“Our church does not campaign for, nor support, any political parties and have not organised or coordinated any volunteer efforts of any type in any location.

“That said, we are anecdotally aware that parishioners from our church have decided to volunteer this year for a variety of candidates from the Liberal Party, Teals, Nationals, One Nation and Labor, amongst others.

“It is for those wishing to volunteer for various candidates to mobilise themselves, in conjunction with the political candidates they are supporting.

“Just like when members of Catholic, Anglican, Jewish and other churches volunteer or vote – that is a personal decision, not a reflection of the view of their church.

“And if and when church members volunteer, the church does not tell them who to support, what to wear, how to participate or anything else of that nature.

“Many Australians conscientiously object to voting on religious grounds. Some of our members exercise this right but others do not, and do choose to both vote and actively engage in politics.”

Media contact: [email protected]