Irish-based Christian sect ‘protected abusers for decades’
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The Irish authorities are liaising with the FBI as part of a widening international investigation into alleged sexual abuse within a Christian sect founded in Ireland.
The sect, commonly known as the Two by Twos, is facing documented allegations via survivor groups against more than 900 individuals in more than 30 countries. It has also been accused of protecting abusers for decades by transferring ministers across international borders. These allegations are denied by the sect.
A number of Irish-related allegations have been shared with US federal investigators who are exploring claims that some abusers travelled between Ireland and the United States as part of the sect’s itinerant ministry.
Alleged victims in Ireland have been coming forward amid concerns within the fellowship that what is known is “just the tip of the iceberg”, with survivors saying a culture of forgiveness has at times discouraged reporting to civil authorities.
The FBI is gathering intelligence directly from those who claim they suffered abuse, with a spokesperson adding that it has also been sharing information with “law enforcement partners” in Ireland and the UK.
About 2,000 survivors have reported abuse to advocacy groups across Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as the FBI maps the global picture.
With no formal name, the Two by Twos — also known as Cooneyites, Dippers and the Truth — was founded in Ireland in 1897 within the Protestant evangelical tradition.
Its itinerant ministers, known as workers, travel in pairs and live as guests in members’ homes for days or weeks at a time, reliant on hospitality and cash donations passed in envelopes. They carry no formal credentials and, until 2016 in Ireland, operated without any formal safeguarding policy.
Read more https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/two-by-twos-investigation-fbi-rvpqwk0pk?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqc7xzGybjn8tajHsS7kcKFBdfTnDAOL1sVtb8TMYg9x4kEMKeRCslGK&gaa_ts=69ac2086&gaa_sig=4dX3ADR0zTeVvZvla2vyQFr-NoHKDmT5RtQcNjc_9liuN5FXFxB6DVIb5FwKx_lUMWMU9fdJ0lBpWsRRyiGxDg%3D%3D
