A man who alleges that he was sexually abused as a child by members of the religious group formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren says he turned down $1 million to stay silent.
Mick Dover said he was offered a seven-figure settlement from the organisation now known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) in October last year.
According to ABC Four Corners, PBCC offered the money on the condition that he sign a non-disclosure agreement and agree not to disparage the church in any way.
“I’m here today because I don’t give a damn about a million dollars,” Dover told the publication in an emotional interview.
Dover alleges that he was subjected to brutal and constant abuse by church members, including two men and a woman. His lawsuit includes a list of 75 people in the church whom he claims did nothing to stop the abuse, which he says began when he was five.
Dover’s legal team said the church failed to protect him, failed to report the allegations to police, and also alleges that the church had no proper screening or training systems to detect, prevent, and deter child abuse.
Since the allegations, PBCC has published answers to questions sent from ABC Four Corners regarding Dover’s claims. When asked about its response to Dover’s sexual abuse allegations, the church stated it was made aware of them in 2023, adding that it denies that an “offer of that amount was made”.
The spokesperson continued: “As the matter remains the subject of ongoing confidential negotiations, it would be inappropriate for any further comment to be made at this time.”
PBCC also published a statement following ABC Four Corners’ interview.
“Last night Australia’s Four Corners aired a story on the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church which included content that was inaccurate, biased, and sensationalist,” church spokesperson Lloyd Grimshaw wrote.
Grimshaw continued: “Every church around the world has people who have left and who reflect badly on their experience, and the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is no different.”
The PBCC began in the 19th century in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is widely known as a breakaway group from the Anglican Church and is currently led by Bruce Hales.