The “Two by Twos,” a secretive Christian sect with roots in 19th-century Ireland, has recently come under intense scrutiny due to a burgeoning number of sexual abuse allegations. Operating under various names like “The Way” or “The Truth,” the group, founded by William Irvine, eschews traditional church structures, instead sending itinerant preachers, known as “workers,” to live among followers. This practice, while central to their belief system, has created an environment ripe for exploitation, as workers, entrusted with spiritual guidance, have allegedly abused their positions of power to prey on vulnerable individuals, often children, within the homes that sheltered them. The sect’s clandestine nature, characterized by opaque finances, an ambiguous leadership hierarchy, and a culture of secrecy, has further exacerbated the problem, allowing abusers to operate with impunity for decades.
The surfacing of these allegations has led to a widespread FBI investigation and ignited a movement among survivors, determined to break the silence and hold the sect accountable. A dedicated website, hotline, and social media platforms have become vital resources for victims, documenting hundreds of alleged abusers across the globe and illustrating the systemic nature of the problem. Survivors recount a pattern of abuse enabled by sect leaders who prioritized protecting the group’s reputation over the safety of its members. Accusations include pressuring victims to forgive their abusers, failing to report abuse to authorities as required by law, and transferring known predators to new locations, exposing unsuspecting families to danger. While some isolated cases have resulted in criminal convictions for individual perpetrators, the sect itself has largely evaded legal consequences, shielded by its decentralized structure and a lack of tangible assets.
The sect’s unique organizational structure plays a critical role in both facilitating the abuse and hindering accountability. Workers, expected to renounce worldly possessions and rely on the hospitality of followers, gain intimate access to families and children. This reliance creates an inherent power imbalance, making it difficult for victims, especially children, to resist or report abuse. The absence of formal church buildings and centralized financial records further complicates investigations and legal proceedings. Unlike institutions like the Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts, which have faced significant financial repercussions for widespread abuse, the Two by Twos’ lack of assets makes it difficult to pursue legal redress through civil lawsuits.
Individual stories of abuse highlight the devastating impact of the sect’s practices and the complicity of its leadership. Lisa Webb, abused as a child by a worker staying in her family’s home, describes the inherent trust placed in these individuals, seen as “angels” incapable of wrongdoing. Sheri Autrey, another survivor, recounts being abused by a worker who lived with her family for months. When she reported the abuse, the sect’s regional overseer, instead of taking action against the perpetrator, sent him back to Autrey’s home to apologize, demonstrating a shocking disregard for her well-being and a prioritization of internal handling over legal action. These accounts, and many others like them, paint a picture of a system that silenced victims and allowed predators to continue operating within the community.
Further illustrating the systemic nature of the cover-up are instances of sect leaders actively discouraging the reporting of abuse. Documented cases reveal overseers instructing members to remain silent about “kingdom problems,” minimizing the severity of abuse, and advising against advertising such issues to those unaware. One overseer even suggested that the sect could fulfill mandatory reporting obligations by simply recommending counseling for offenders, thereby shifting the responsibility to report to the counselors. These actions reveal a calculated effort to protect the sect’s reputation and avoid legal scrutiny, even at the expense of children’s safety.
The death of Dean Bruer, a regional overseer, in 2022 proved to be a turning point. The discovery of evidence on his electronic devices revealed a history of sexual abuse, prompting a letter from another overseer acknowledging Bruer’s predatory behavior. However, even in the face of such damning evidence, the sect’s response was marred by a lack of transparency. Delays in handing over Bruer’s laptop to law enforcement, coupled with evidence of tampering with the device, raised serious questions about the sect’s commitment to accountability. This incident, along with the growing number of survivor testimonies, fueled the momentum for change, leading to the FBI investigation and increased public awareness of the sect’s dark secrets. Despite the growing pressure, some sect leaders continue to discourage criticism and urge members to focus on faith rather than addressing the systemic issues that have allowed abuse to flourish. The Two by Twos now face a reckoning, as survivors, advocates, and law enforcement work to expose the truth and bring perpetrators to justice.
