Jess Stewart: The Cult Celebrity Who Found Freedom

Amid the hushed reverence of the Exclusive Brethren, Jess Stewart’s name resonated like a whispered legend. He wasn’t just a member; he was a cult celebrity, his face known in every Brethren household, his story a testament to faith and fortitude.

Yet, as Jess navigated the labyrinth of strict rules and the unwavering gaze of his community, he couldn’t shake the feeling of confinement. The allowances made for his health became windows to a world he wasn’t supposed to see, sowing seeds of curiosity and dissent in his mind.

It was this glimpse beyond the Brethren’s walls that ignited Jess’s ...