Plymouth Brethren Christian Church sponsors Pollie Pedal event days after allegations of far-right payments

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has been linked to a series of far-right activities, including payments to neo-Nazi affiliates and far-right figures, which were allegedly used to bully and intimidate politicians during the last election. Despite these revelations, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Liberal Party federal president Tony Abbott have recently participated in the church’s annual Pollie Pedal bike ride, which is sponsored by the church’s charity, the Rapid Relief Team.

The Rapid Relief Team, a public-facing charity of the Plymouth Brethren, is a major sponsor of the Pollie Pedal, providing breakfast daily for the eight-day event. The ride, which began in Toowoomba, raises funds for the SAS veterans charity Wandering Warriors and their families. Taylor, who fell off his bike on the first day of the ride, stated that all members of the event are grateful for the charity’s contribution, though he distanced himself from any alleged criminality associated with the Brethren’s campaign.

The Plymouth Brethren’s doctrine of separation dictates that members do not vote, eat, befriend, or socialise with outsiders. However, the church has acknowledged the importance of its charity in the community, with Taylor previously describing its role as “enormously important.” This apparent contradiction highlights the complex relationship between the church’s internal practices and its external charitable efforts.

Following the publication of details about the Brethren’s alleged involvement in far-right activities, Climate 200, a political funding group and key supporter of teal candidates, referred the church to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission for investigation. Climate 200, which has been a victim of a Brethren-sponsored far-right stunt, sought to determine whether the church or associated charities had violated the law by promoting or opposing political parties or engaging in unlawful activities.

Charities legislation prohibits promoting or opposing political parties or candidates, as well as engaging in activities contrary to public policy or unlawful actions. The Plymouth Brethren’s network of over a dozen affiliated charities holds tax-free net assets exceeding $295 million, surpassing the combined assets of Oxfam and Save The Children. However, the majority of these charities focus on supporting the church’s members rather than serving the broader public.

The church’s spokesman, Lloyd Grimshaw, denied before a parliamentary committee that the Brethren had commissioned or paid for far-right stunts or election campaign activities. He described the inquiry as “bizarre,” emphasizing that the church’s focus remains on its own community and charitable work. The situation underscores the tension between the church’s internal teachings and its public-facing initiatives, raising questions about the alignment of its actions with its stated values.

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