SA Health to end partnership with charity linked to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

SA Health has announced it will no longer partner with a charity run by members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. The decision comes after the ABC raised questions about the church’s practices and its relationship with a school that has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny.

The Education Standards Board has concluded that no further action is needed regarding a school operated by church members, following allegations that students are discouraged from attending on-campus university programs. However, the Education Minister will consider the matter as part of a broader review of the Education and Early Childhood Services Act. A church spokesperson stated that students are encouraged to study online.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, which has 15,000 members across Australia, operates a charity known as the Rapid Relief Team (RRT). This organization supports emergency service workers and has received over $450,000 in taxpayer funding in the last reporting period. RRT has partnered with SA Health on several events since 2020, including a recent event at a hospital in Mount Barker.

Despite initial statements from SA Health that it would no longer partner with the organization, the department later confirmed it had participated in an event with RRT. A RRT spokesperson highlighted the impact of these collaborations, noting that over 5,000 meals of appreciation were served across seven events, supported by 138 volunteers who donated over 600 hours of time.

Former members of the Adelaide branch of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have described the group as a “cult,” citing its strict rules, views on women, and stance on university attendance. These claims have been denied by the church, which describes itself as a global Christian fellowship that “lives peacefully amongst neighbours all over the world.”

OneSchool Global, a school that receives taxpayer funding, is where many members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church send their children. According to the church’s website, the schools are not owned or run by the church but “share a close relationship” with it.

The situation highlights the complex relationship between religious groups and public institutions, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of faith-based organizations in community service. As the church continues to navigate these challenges, the broader implications for religious freedom and public trust remain under scrutiny.

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