The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church – not a cult
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church: A global Christian fellowship, not a cult
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church was founded around 200 years ago by John Nelson Darby, one of the most influential Protestant thinkers of the 19th century.
Some critics have labelled us a cult or a sect, often misunderstanding our practices and principles. We are also frequently called The Exclusive Brethren.
But take the time to understand our beliefs, our work with and contributions to others in society, and economic impact and you’ll find that we are not a cult or a sect, nor are we exclusive, but rather we are a valuable and thriving contributor to the communities in which we live.
Understanding the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a Protestant Christian Church with a strong commitment to Biblical teachings.
Our Community goes back to the early 19th century, emerging from the broader Plymouth Brethren movement. The term ”Exclusive Brethren” was coined by others and often is used to describe our Community, distinguishing us from the more open assemblies within the wider Brethren movement.
One of the primary reasons we are mistakenly labelled a cult or a sect, is our emphasis on separation.
We tend to avoid certain secular activities that could distract us from our values and our faith, such as television and social media for entertainment purposes. However all this does in reality is reflect our deep commitment to our values.
One component of our faith is ‘The Doctrine of Separation.’ This means that we choose to distance ourselves from what we see as the values and practices of the world that may contradict the teachings of Christ. The Bible calls us to live lives of holiness, and for us, that requires careful consideration of the influences we allow into our lives. The main manifestation of this is that we don’t eat and drink with people whom we don’ have the Lord’s Supper with.
Our members adhere to Biblical teachings, with a focus on community, personal integrity, and ethics. We actively engage in society through business, charitable initiatives, and economic contributions.
Our members live in ordinary houses, in ordinary streets. Many of them own or run businesses, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs for people outside of the Church community.
The Misconception of Being a Cult
A cult is typically characterised by features including being cut off from the world, abstract interpretations of the bible or other sources, and a cult leader who uses brainwashing, manipulation, and lies to isolate and control its members.
In contrast, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church operates a decentralised leadership structure based on Biblical principles. While it has a strong guiding body – the teachings of the Holy Bible – our members willingly adhere to their beliefs without coercion.
Members of our Church actively work with and contribute to the communities in which we live, including through business and through our charity, the Rapid Relief Team.
Additionally, our faith is anchored in mainstream Christian teachings. We follow the New Testament closely and encourage individual accountability to God.
Members choose to follow their religious convictions, and those who leave the Church do so of their own volition. On the rare occasions that people leave our Church, we are sad to see them go, but we wish them well.
Economic Contributions
Our members are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, technology, and education. These businesses contribute substantially to local and national economies by providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
There are around 55,000 members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church worldwide, many of whom own businesses employing around 70,000 people from outside our Church.
Community Involvement and Humanitarian Efforts
Members of our Church are deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. Over the years, the Church has funded and organised emergency relief efforts in response to global crises, including natural disasters and pandemics. The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is the Plymouth Brethren Christian Chruch’s charity arm. It is run by members – some 14,000 volunteers around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RRT played a crucial role in providing food donations, and logistical support to frontline workers and affected communities.
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church volunteers have also provided millions of meals to those displaced by the war in Ukraine.
These efforts, and many more, underscore our commitment to being a positive force in society rather than an isolated or harmful group.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a deeply religious and structured Christian community that actively contributes to society through business, charity, and humanitarian efforts. While some of our principles may be a little different from others in mainstream society, they are rooted in faith, discipline, and integrity – core values that benefit not only its members but also the broader community.
The misconceptions surrounding the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church often stem from misunderstandings of our practices and beliefs. In reality, our members foster strong moral character, economic contribution, and charitable giving, making our Church a valuable part of modern society.
Instead of being viewed as a cult, sect, or extreme group, we would like to be recognised for our positive impact on the economy and the welfare of communities worldwide, where we live, work and worship.