Behind Closed Doors

Book excerpt: A gripping and revealing first-hand account of one family's experience in the Exclusive Brethren community in New Zealand. Ngaire Thomas grew up, married and raised her children within the Exclusive Brethren church in the Palmerston North area. In plain, non-judgemental style, Ngaire describes life inside this community with its strict rules. She says: 'By the time I was nine, I had developed an independent spirit . . . [which] usually meant that a person had begun to think for themselves rather than obeying the M.O.G. [Man of God] - an undesirable trait that needed to be dealt with.' Behind Closed Doors tells of the struggles Ngaire and her family went through in order to remain within this close but challenging community. She and her husband Denis, a very devout man, had a strong and committed marriage, raised five children and attempted to live a good life within the church. However they were eventually excommunicated and went to live 'on the outside'. Ngaire describes the trauma of adjusting to life on the outside and its devastating effects on her children. This is a fascinating window into a world that few of us will ever know - told by an intelligent and compassionate woman.