Brisbane Christian Fellowship
Special Guest: Simon Doyle
Simon was born into an associated branch of the Brisbane Christian Fellowship. He spent his life amongst the group until his mid-20s when he started to question the beliefs and practices of the group. He eventually escaped around Easter 2018 with the help of his now-wife. Since then Simon has been rebuilding himself. He now enjoys spending time with his wife and child and building guitars.
EPISODE DETAILS
Written and Hosted by Sarah Steel
Research Assistance by Anna Luria
Music by Joe Gould
Edited and Mixed by Matt Brazel
February 15th, 2023
1 hr 15 mins 26 secs
Season 5
Season 5 presenting partner:
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Brisbane Christian Fellowship sounds like a fairly innocuous name for a church. But the BCF and its network of organisations across Australia have been the subject of a Four Corners investigation and a detailed book, speaking with former members who have numerous stories of families being torn apart as a result of their involvement. Author Morag Zwartz wrote that this church “is every bit as pernicious and harmful as the Exclusive Brethren.”
EPISODE LINKS
Apostles of Fear: A Church Cult Exposed — by Morag Zwartz, Parenesis Publishing, 2008
Who Are the Brisbane Christian Fellowship? — by David Holden, Aletheia Publishing, September 2008 (3rd Ed.)
Open Letter to Melbourne Christian Fellowship (MCF) — blog by Paul ‘Kovaks’, accessed January 2023
Issues Arising from Four Corners Investigation into Latter Rain Movement — Immanuel Website Article by Brian Rensford, undated
The God of Broken Hearts — Four Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 23 June 2008
Streetcar Forum — Support forum for those affected by “the teachings and behaviours of RFI leaders”, accessed January & February 2023
Brisbane Christian Fellowship Inc. — listing with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, accessed January 2023
Rev. William Henry Offiler (1875-1957) — Bethel Fellowship International profile, accessed January 2023
A Current Affair segment — via YouTube, originally broadcast on Channel Nine in 2008, date unknown
Connected Churches — Restoration Fellowships International (RFI) network list at Emerald Christian Fellowship, accessed February 2023
Melbourne Christian Fellowship – Why I Left It. — by Roger Williams, 27 June 2008
Present Word — comedic YouTube channel satirising BCF in various ways
Former members of Queensland-based cult-like church speak out — by A Current Affair Staff, Channel Nine, 25 June 2015
The Brisbane Christian Fellowship – A Government Sponsored Cult — by Chrys Stevenson, Gladly the Cross-Eyed Bear blog, 30 April 2010
Cult survivor relives history of servitude — by Marissa Calligeros, Brisbane Times, 20 March 2010
Fired pastor sues church — by Toni Mcrae, The Courier Mail, 27 March 2010
The Freedom of Choice — by Lachlan Perrin, BCF Presbytery fellowship word, 19 June 2022
Casting Out Unclean Spirits — by Victor Hall, BCF Presbytery fellowship word, 22 May 2022
Communion Word Articles — BCF, accessed February 2023
Brisbane Christian Fellowship — official website, accessed January & February 2023
Our Beliefs — Melbourne Christian Fellowship official website, accessed February 2023