If the luminaries, authors, respected dignitaries and mascots of a group provide a universal tone and message, is it fair to assume that their followers support these things?
For the most part yes. And those who are part of the group but don't believe in the group's message, they are just hangers on and hold no credibility. Follow the leaders. If you like where they are going, go with them. If you don't like it, turn back.