Prominent Anglican Bishop Michael Stead has defended Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the religious group a “cult”.

Mr Stead accused the Albanese government of demonising the Brethren over the involvement of some of its members engaging in coordinated campaigns with Coalition candidates.

During the federal election, the Prime Minister described the Brethren as a “cult” while Labor MP Jerome Laxale said the Brethren’s participation in campaigning was “an assault on democracy”.

The South Sydney Anglican Bishop said he was “very concerned” by the language used to “demonise” a religious group.

“I’m very concerned that the language of ‘cult’ has been used to demonise a particular religious denomination,” Mr Stead told The Daily Telegr

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