A secretive Christian sect known as the “Two by Twos” has been accused of covering up child sexual abuse by its leaders, with allegations of abuse reported in over 30 countries.
The sect, also known as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 and has an estimated 75,000 to 85,000 members worldwide. Despite its small size, the sect has managed to avoid legal repercussions for its abuse, largely due to its decentralized structure and hidden finances.
The sect’s leaders have publicly condemned the abuse, but several have declined to answer questions from The Associated Press. Survivors of abuse have established a hotline, website, and social media pages to document their experiences and bring perpetrators to justice.
One former member, Lisa Webb, was sexually abused by a sect leader as a child and says the attention brought by the allegations has given her a sense of “strength in numbers.” “There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened,” she said. “But there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website tracking the allegations has documented cases against over 900 abusers, with many more emerging. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
The sect’s origin story dates back to 1897, when it was founded by William Irvine, who believed that the only way to spread Christianity was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert. The sect grew rapidly, with volunteer preachers, known as workers, going “two by two” to live in the homes of followers for days or weeks at a time.
Despite the sect’s efforts to keep its abuse allegations under wraps, law enforcement officials and survivors are continuing to dig deeper. The FBI has launched an investigation, and some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and sought advice on how to better protect members. However, at least some regional overseers have declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies, citing the New Testament as their only code of conduct.
As the allegations continue to surface, the sect’s members are being warned against criticizing the group, with some leaders urging them to focus on the Lord rather than the problems. But for survivors like Webb, the attention brought by the allegations has given them a sense of power and a desire to see justice served. “Victims and survivors are finally being able to use their voices and bring their perpetrators out from hiding if they choose to do so,” said Pam Walton, a former sect member who has been tracking the movements of predatory preachers.