Former members of the Exclusive Brethren allege the secretive sect is breaking up families, putting members in isolation and attacking their livelihoods in order to maintain control. READ MORE:* Leaving the Exclusive Brethren: 10 years on* Exclusive Brethren cult leader's millionaire son accused of assault* Potential witness in Exclusive Brethren sex abuse case paid to remain silentThe couple, whom RNZ has agreed not to name, blame the organisation, which now calls itself the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Excommunicated Exclusive Brethren members Rob McLean and Lindy Jacomb. Simmons said that was the moment when he realised he could no longer believe in Hales, who is venerated by church members as “The Elect Vessel”. There are some pretty nasty stories – it can leave people in a pretty vulnerable spot.”He was pressured to resign from the family business but refused.

Source: Stuff April 29, 2021 20:15 UTC