Former member of Two by Twos sect arrested for alleged historical sex offending
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A Northland man has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged historical sex offending that spanned three decades when he was part of a secretive sect that meets in people’s homes.
The religious group known as the Two by Twos, or The Truth, is under investigation by the FBI for historical child sexual abuse. Former members warn it is a highly controlling and insular group, with many unwritten rules.
The Christian sect has about 2500 members and 60 ministers in New Zealand, is not registered as a charity and has no official name nor church buildings.
Ealier this year, its spokesperson confirmed police here were investigating at least one former minister for historical abuse and it was aware of 14 cases of allegations against members.
Police have this month laid numerous charges against a man who was part of the sect.
At this stage, 17 charges of indecent assault have been laid against the man relating to alleged offending against four victims between the 1960s and 1980s.
The 79-year-old man has interim name suppression and is due to reappear before Kaikohe District Court next week.
The sect’s overseer Wayne Dean said they encouraged abuse to be reported.
“Whilst it would be inappropriate for us to comment on any specific case that may be before the courts or in the hands of the police, I can confirm that we as a group encourage and support the reporting of abuse to the authorities, and respect all action taken by the authorities in response to criminal behaviour,” he said.
“Our heartfelt message to all survivors/victims is one of support and encouragement. We recognise they have experienced pain and suffering through no fault of their own. We acknowledge the courage of those who have shared their experience, and are mindful also of those whose voices are still silent, unable to speak of the trauma endured.”
In May, the sect’s Australasian leaders launched a website with information about its response to historical child sexual abuse and a written apology to victims.
Content retrieved from: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526679/former-member-of-two-by-twos-sect-arrested-for-alleged-historical-sex-offending.
