Religious sect’s public meetings upset former member
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350261275/religious-sects-public-meetings-upset-former-member
Alecia Rousseau May 1, 2024
The group meets twice a week in the hall at the Senior Citizens Association.
WARWICK SMITH / MANAWATŪ STANDARD
A former member of a sect operating under “secrecy and control” is appalled they are holding public meetings at community facilities.
The man, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, said he was shocked when he received an invitation in his Palmerston North mailbox from the church known as the Two by Twos or The Truth.
The group had been operating in New Zealand and overseas for many years, and RNZ recently revealed former church members were being investigated by the FBI for historical sexual offences.
A spokesperson for the sect acknowledged there had been harm caused in the past, but said they were now getting “behind the 8 ball” and putting protocols in place to keep people safe.
The former member, who was originally from Dannevirke, made a “public stand” and joined the group more than 30 years ago.
He was eventually ex-communicated but his parents remained in the non-denominational Christian group.
“I got involved in social credit politics and they didn’t like this, so I had to chose … I got kicked out.”
He said as a result his relationship with his mother and father completely broke down.
He was trespassed from seeing his mum, and when his father died he had no say in his burial or funeral arrangements.
“You wouldn’t believe what they did to my Mum … I can’t even talk about it.
“They didn’t even speak Dad’s name at his funeral.”
He said the group’s principles were close to that of Exclusive Brethren’s and the religion was secretive, isolated and “very controlling”.
“They get you along to these meetings and after a few they take you aside and ask if you want to join.
“Then you’re clinched.”
He said once you took a public stand you were asked to live by a new set of rules.
“Woman can’t cut their hair, there is no association with others outside the sect … no television.
“My dear Mum and her neighbour were good friends, but she wasn’t allowed contact as they are considered worldlings or dirty.”
The group was gathering twice a week at the Senior Citizens Association, and he said it was not an appropriate venue for the public meetings.
“That’s what gets me, it’s where the elderly meet … they are more likely to be convinced by them [to join].”
A spokesperson for the association, however, said the venue was hired exclusively by the group and none of its members were on site at the time.
The former member said he went to several house meetings where two pastors would teach the word of God and stay in members’ homes.
He never witnessed any sexual abuse, but said if a child “interrupted the word of God [during a house meeting] they got taken outside for a whack”.
Debbie Chamberlain, a minister for group, confirmed they were holding meetings at the Senior Citizens Association hall.
The invitation said the gatherings were held to “awaken a deeper interest” in God and the Bible, and to help unbelievers find faith.
Chamberlain said she was sorry to those who had experienced harm in the past and although she did not know the former member and his parents personally, it was likely his story was true.
But, they had made changes to the way they operated, and she said rather than controlling and coercive, they looked to Jesus to guide them.
They had “values” they lived by, and each meeting involved her and another minister preaching while people sat and listened.
“We have no affiliation to a church … we just want people to get to know Jesus.”
A fellowship group also met in homes on a Sunday morning, and there were weekly Bible studies.
“We hope the spirit is leading people to live a simple life.”
She acknowledged the people who had been hurt, and said she hoped they were able to find peace.
A police media spokesperson said they were not aware of any complaints regarding the group or its meetings, “but would encourage anyone who may have concerns to let us know”.
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This group really shouldn’t be allowed to use public spaces for their services, because they put those locations in jeopardy of losing their businesses if a child or an adult were to be raped or molested while they are using the space. The same goes for personal property (which some people call “convention grounds”) – because a large number of cases have taken place on these grounds and it’s putting the homeowner’s living spaces in jeopardy. They will lose their homes, due to predators choices. They have no respect for the owners of that property! We can lose our jobs, because it has been decided that if you are still attending meetings like this, that you are in support of sexually abusing children or adults, and employers and government agencies take a very harsh stand against those who do continue to support predators, and rightly so! Please, stop supporting those who are supporting predators. Do something kind and good…and send a donation today to Advocates For The Truth! Then, the victims can get the help they need. There’s been enough abuse to go around, whether it’s been sexual, mental, physical, or spiritual. We are all made in God’s image, and should treat each other as such! No human is “less than” – ever. We are all equal in the eyes of God, may he help us to draw closer to Him!
You ever been to an AA mtg where parents bring their kids? Or to a Drag Queen Show? Or a funeral home or school for a dead worker?
Didn’t thinks so. Parents, be responsible for your children. Don’t trust mtg people any more than you would the general public. But I personally wouldn’t trust them any less.