Exclusive Brethren charge $850 a pop to watch business seminar
Bruce Hales, Sydney-based global leader of the Exclusive Brethren, pictured with his wife Jennifer.
Thousands of Exclusive Brethren members were charged up to $850 to watch a live stream of a speech by their supreme leader Bruce Hales this week.
Adult members were charged $850 to tune in to the 'Vision 17' on Thursday.
Some 3500 people attended the business seminar in Sydney, with thousands more watching from Brethren-run Westmount Schools around New Zealand and across the world.
Exclusive Brethren members attended a conference at Vector Arena last year where Steve Hansen and WIllie Apiata offered business advice.
Members were said to be buzzing with excitement to be part of the global event with leader Bruce Hales, with British followers tuning in live in the middle of the night.
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Stuff spoke to several current members of the Exclusive Brethren who expressed concerns about the high cost of watching the seminar, in which church members shared 'inspirational speeches'.
One said it was ridiculous that members were expected to pay to listen to church leaders.
None of the members wanted to be quoted for fear of being labelled as "traitors", which would see them thrown out of the church.
Church spokesman, Doug Watt, said the event was organised by the Brethren's Universal Business Team so they could learn from each other and outside experts, how to better run their companies.
"Each of those businesses is owned by individuals or their families," Watt said.
"They are not owned by the Church and all after tax profits are retained by business owners and spent at their discretion."
Watt said any surplus funds generated after operational costs are used in support of education and other charitable causes.
Last year, All Black coach Steve Hansen and decorated former soldier Willie Apiata spoke at an Exclusive Brethren business event at Vector Arena.
Watt said while this week's event was for church members only, it was not a religious event.
"Today's event is for church members only as they can feel more comfortable talking about their businesses amongst people they know."
- Sunday Star Times
