I've started collecting a series of links on the activities of the Brethren. I provide these on my website without (much) comment.

http://www.arthwollipot.com/articles/sciencereligion/exclusivebrethren/

Costello Downplays Brethren Meetings

"I don't know why the newspapers get so worked up about it. These are people who are constituents, Australian citizens, they follow their own religious beliefs and they've got every right to do so."

The difference is that the Brethren are not like other church groups. The Brethren deliberately meddle in federal politics. They've got a lot of money, and they are not adverse to spending it to further their apocalyptic goals. This, apparently, in direct contradiction to their doctrine of isolation.

Allahu Akbar!

It seems that someone across the pond (the other pond) has got some sense.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1748405.htm

Now if only the Australian Liberal Party would follow suit