The “Two by Twos” Christian sect, a secretive group with an estimated 75,000 to 85,000 members worldwide, has been exposed for its decades-long pattern of child sexual abuse by its leaders. The sect, also known as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who emphasized the importance of living among those they sought to convert.
For years, the sect’s leadership structure was opaque, with no official name and members meeting in homes rather than churches. Its finances were hidden, and its followers were discouraged from using banks or keeping worldly possessions. As a result, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
Survivors have come forward with allegations against more than 900 abusers, with cases documented in over 30 countries. A website, hotline, and social media pages established by victims have been used to track the movements of spiritual leaders facing child sexual abuse allegations.
Despite the sect’s condemnation of the abuse, several regional overseers have declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies, citing the New Testament as the only true code of conduct. Meanwhile, some leaders have continued to warn members against criticizing the sect, telling them to focus on the Lord rather than problems.
A recent case involving a deceased regional overseer, Dean Bruer, has prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the sect. Bruer’s death revealed a pattern of abuse that had been hidden for decades, and his laptop and phone were found to have been tampered with, attempting to conceal evidence of the abuse.
Survivors, including Sheri Autrey and Pam Walton, who have helped track the movements of predatory preachers, say the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.” For them, the spotlight has allowed victims and survivors to use their voices and bring their perpetrators out from hiding if they choose to do so.
As the FBI investigation continues, the fate of the “Two by Twos” sect and its leaders remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the era of secrecy and silence is ending, and the survivors will no longer be silenced.
