Criticism of Radical Sect Over Homophobia

Feminists and LGBT campaigners together with atheist commentators, have joined forces to reveal another side to a radical Christian sect which will appear in a one of documentary on BBC-1 television next week. The Bruderhof Community in South East England are anabaptists, a type of non conformist protestant who have some common origins with more well known groups such as the Plymouth Brethren. The Bruderhof, like the Amish in the States, forego most modern trappings of life. However, unlike those groups, they also publish literature which is circulated around the peace movement, anti-nuclear campaigns and the counterculture, where they try to recruit members to their way of life. However, feminists and LGBT people pointed out that, contrary to their “fluffy” image, the group is fanatically opposed to women's equality, commanding conservative modes of dress for females whilst males can adopt whatever attire they wish. As with other ultra-Puritanical sects, the group is also deeply anti-gay, peddling a mish mash of liberal platitudes whilst trying to prevent all forms of gay culture and freedom. On one occasion, the sect even published an article which appeared to blame David Beckham for weakening masculinity and attacked well groomed men for being un-Christian.