Brethren zealots forgot religion and politics don’t mix

August 21, 2026 — 5:00am

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Revelations that elders of a wealthy Christian sect secretly paid bundles of cash to far-right activists and others with fringe views for an “influence campaign” to disrupt Albanese government appearances during the federal election are a reminder that the fragile bond between religion and politics must always be kept in check.

An investigation by our reporters Sherryn Groch and Michael Bachelard has uncovered a digital trail of evidence showing the church formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren mobilised far-right figures around the country to track and heckle candidates from Labor, the Greens and independents as part of its multimillion-dollar campaign for then-Liberal leader Peter Dutton.

The rebadged Plymouth Brethren Christian Church prepares to provide........

© The Sydney Morning Herald