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What Are The Two By Twos
The “Two by Twos,” also known as “The Truth” or “The Way,” is a home-based Christian religion movement originating in Ireland in the late 19th century. Founded by William Irvine in 1897, the group emphasizes itinerant ministry as set forth in the Gospel of Matthew, sending preachers in pairs, which inspired its name. Unlike traditional churches, the Two by Twos reject church buildings, paid clergy, and formal structures, meeting in homes and relying on oral teachings delivered by ministers known as “workers.”
A Movement Covered In Secrecy
The movement is characterized by its secrecy and lack of a formal name, earning it colloquial titles such as “No-name Church” or “Christian Conventions.” Members, often referred to as “friends” or “saints,” adhere to strict interpretations of modesty and self-denial, including specific dress codes and abstention from worldly activities like television and social media. Salvation within the group is believed to require faith, works, and participation in its home-based meetings.
Historically, the Two by Twos experienced rapid growth but became increasingly insular after internal schisms and controversies involving their founder. William Irvine was later expelled over doctrinal disagreements, leading to divisions among followers. The movement’s exclusivity is a defining feature, with members viewing their practices as a restoration of the first-century Christian church and rejecting other religious denominations as invalid.
Relies On Hierarchical Structure of Males
The church operates without an official headquarters, relying on a hierarchical structure of male overseers and workers. This secrecy extends to its financial practices, with no public accounting of funds. Members participate in annual conventions and special meetings, maintaining a distinct separation from outsiders. Over time, the Two by Twos have faced scrutiny for their exclusivist beliefs and lack of transparency.
Investigation Into The Christian Sect
The investigation into the child sexual abuse scandal involving the Christian sect known as the “Two by Twos” reveals a deeply troubling pattern of abuse, secrecy, and institutional failure. The group, characterized by its clandestine operations, lack of formal structures, and strong emphasis on spiritual obedience, harbored abusers for decades.
Victims and advocates are now pushing for justice as the FBI probes allegations involving hundreds of abusers across over 30 countries. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of betrayal, as abusive ministers were protected, victims were silenced, and predators were often reassigned to unsuspecting communities.
Predators Were Welcomed Into the Home Unknowingly
Central to the abuse is the sect’s decentralized structure, which complicates accountability. Unlike mainstream religious organizations, the “Two by Twos” lacks a financial base or property holdings, making it challenging to pursue legal restitution. Predators exploited the sect’s practice of housing itinerant ministers in followers’ homes, granting them unchecked access to vulnerable children. Survivors describe systemic attempts to shield abusers from law enforcement, including urging victims to forgive their assailants and failing to report incidents to authorities.
Leaders Protected The Sect
The leadership of the “Two by Twos” sect has come under intense scrutiny for its systematic failure to address child sexual abuse within the organization, despite being aware of predatory behavior among its ministers for decades. Leaders often prioritized protecting the sect’s reputation over safeguarding victims or holding perpetrators accountable, a pattern that has been consistent across numerous reported cases worldwide.
Leaders within the sect frequently avoided involving law enforcement, even in instances of egregious abuse. Instead, they pressured victims and their families to forgive the offenders, framing the abuse as a spiritual failing rather than a criminal act. The sect’s insular culture and emphasis on resolving issues internally to maintain secrecy fueled this approach. Moreover, reports reveal that leaders routinely reassigned abusers to new locations, allowing them to continue having unsupervised access to children in the homes of unsuspecting families. This practice not only enabled further abuse but also shielded offenders from legal consequences.
Regional Overseer Job Was To Shift Responsibility
In several cases, victims reported the abuse to regional overseers, who were responsible for managing the sect’s ministers, but these overseers either ignored the complaints or took minimal actions that fell short of reporting the crimes to the authorities. For example, when Sheri Autrey revealed her abuse to her mother, the regional overseer sent the offender back to her home to apologize rather than alerting law enforcement. Similarly, letters from other overseers suggested evasion tactics, such as recommending professional counseling for offenders to shift the legal obligation of reporting to therapists.
The Leadership Tampered With Evidence
The sect’s leadership also actively concealed evidence. After investigators posthumously exposed Dean Bruer as a serial abuser, someone tampered with the laptop containing incriminating evidence before handing it to the police. Furthermore, his phone was never provided to authorities. Such actions illustrate a deliberate effort to obstruct justice and protect the sect’s image.
These failures reflect a systemic culture of denial and secrecy, rooted in the sect’s theological interpretation that placed spiritual redemption over legal accountability. Survivors and advocates continue to call for transparency and justice, underscoring the need for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these crimes independently of the sect’s internal processes. The FBI’s ongoing investigation represents a critical step toward addressing decades of systemic abuse and institutional neglect within the sect.
Methods The FBI Used To Gather Information
The FBI is actively seeking information from victims and individuals with knowledge of abuse or criminal behavior within the religious group commonly referred to as the “2×2,” “The Way,” or “The Church With No Name.” This initiative is part of a broader effort to identify victims of federal crimes and ensure they receive appropriate support, restitution, and legal rights.
Online Questionnaire
The FBI uses a dedicated online questionnaire to gather detailed information about abuse within the group. This form allows individuals to share their experiences or knowledge confidentially, emphasizing that participation is voluntary. By completing the form, respondents provide the FBI with critical data that can aid in their investigation and potentially identify them as victims eligible for services under federal law. Even if individuals have already communicated with law enforcement, they are encouraged to submit their details again through this secure platform.
Confidentiality and Victim Protection
The FBI ensures the confidentiality of all victim identities and responses submitted through the questionnaire. This measure is vital in fostering trust, particularly among individuals hesitant to come forward due to fear of stigma or retaliation. The agency’s victim assistance programs also provide resources and support, including access to counseling, trauma recovery services, and referrals to organizations such as the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Support and Additional Resources
In addition to collecting data, the FBI offers resources to help victims and their families cope with the aftermath of abuse. This includes guidance on dealing with trauma, maintaining internet security, and connecting with support networks. Victims can also contact the FBI’s hotline directly for assistance or to report additional details about their cases.
Collaboration and Outreach
The FBI’s approach reflects a commitment to inclusivity, aiming to reach a wide audience through its online platform, public service announcements, and collaboration with advocacy organizations. This outreach not only helps gather information but also reassures victims that their voices are being heard in the pursuit of justice.
Through these efforts, the FBI is working to uncover the extent of abuse within the group, hold perpetrators accountable, and support victims in their healing journeys.
If Found Guilty Of Covering Abuse
If the FBI finds that the “Two by Twos” church is guilty of covering up abuse, the repercussions could be significant, both legally and organizationally. The church’s leadership, along with individuals directly involved in the cover-up, may face legal consequences, while the organization itself could face broader scrutiny, regulatory action, and potential financial liabilities. Here’s how events might unfold:
Legal Consequences for Leadership
Key leaders and individuals who participated in or orchestrated the cover-up could face criminal charges such as obstruction of justice, conspiracy, and failure to report child abuse. In many jurisdictions, failing to report known abuse, especially involving children, violates mandatory reporting laws. Those proven to have tampered with evidence, like documents or electronic devices, could face additional charges for evidence destruction or tampering. If found guilty, they might face prison sentences, substantial fines, or both, depending on the severity of their actions.
Institutional Accountability
While the church itself may not face criminal charges as an entity, it could be held accountable in civil court for negligence. Survivors and their families may file lawsuits against the church, claiming damages for emotional trauma, physical suffering, and economic losses. These lawsuits could result in large financial settlements, as seen in similar cases involving the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America. Given the church’s unique structure—eschewing assets and formal property—enforcing such settlements could be challenging but not impossible.
Regulatory and Structural Changes
If the investigation reveals systemic failures within the organization, government agencies could impose stricter regulations on religious and charitable organizations, particularly those operating under decentralized or secretive frameworks. This might include mandatory child protection policies, training programs for leaders, and regular audits to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Reputational Damage
The church’s reputation would likely suffer irreversible harm, leading to decreased membership and a loss of public trust. Current members might leave, particularly if the leadership is found complicit in the cover-up. This reputational damage could also deter new members and donors, threatening the church’s long-term viability.
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FBI Investigation into the “Two by Twos” Church
The investigation focuses on allegations of child sexual abuse and its cover-up within the “Two by Twos” religious group. The FBI is gathering information to identify victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
The FBI is using an online questionnaire, hotline, and victim services resources to collect information from victims and those with knowledge of abuse within the group.
Leaders may face charges like obstruction of justice, evidence tampering, and failure to report abuse. Convictions could result in prison sentences, fines, or both.
The FBI guarantees confidentiality by securely storing victim information and offering resources to support victims’ rights and emotional well-being.
If found guilty, the church may face legal, financial, and reputational repercussions. This includes possible lawsuits, stricter regulations, and diminished membership.
