Rumors abound of financial mismanagement and possible skullduggery, including money-skimming, private bank accounts, credit cards for the senior servants, and odd money trails that disappear over the horizon. An accredited and independent auditing firm should be hired to make an unbiased, full accounting of the financial status of the communities. Anyway, the Bruderhof books should be open and available for public scrutiny. As a religious organization, there is no need for secrecy in connection with any of their financial affairs. The Bruderhof does not allow its members free access to outside information.
Mail is scanned and carefully watched.
In the past it was even censored by the Servant and in certain cases not delivered at all. Tampering with the mail is a federal offense, with each case considered a separate crime. The Bruderhof system stifles dissent and does not offer a real opportunity for its members or their children to make informed decisions. Over the members' heads hangs the very real threat of expulsion with nothing to show for many years of faithful service except a very large family and no credit or work references. Thus each individual must approach the Servant with his or her own private accusation and thereby exposing him or herself to the very real danger of immediate expulsion.