English translation of Report post information evening meeting, 12 July 2024
Original Language: Dutch
Where: Convention grounds in Putten
Time: 19:30 until 21:30
Present: about 100 people consisting of members, ex members and a few workers
Report made by [Redacted], ex member.
Disclaimer: I have made this personal report true to the way that I remember
Lead up:
It was so nerve wracking! I had firmly announced that I would tell my story and that I wanted to be at a meeting about the large-scale (child) abuse that has happened under the workers and friends by workers and friends. This has already been brought to light on a large scale, specifically in America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
My focus was to ask for attention to the family structure. Some of my family are still members of the 2×2 movement. And the matter of child abuse has had an impact. For example, my children are now no longer permitted to stay with their grandparents if there are also workers staying there. That is a severe consequence.
I also wanted to mention the communication with ex members. The current information comes from family members to ex members. Due to this, there has sometimes been no information shared, and occasionally only to a limited degree.
I then wanted to make the connection that even the belief system is subject to the laws of nature. Meaning that an advisory board is fine as an addition but that the system requires a leader- Bart, Wim and Martin can not all lead. A system requires clear boundaries (who is a part of it and who isn’t). It needs an advocate for leadership, ownership and responsibility. This creates clarity about who does what and that creates the possibility to really change things. ‘If you do what you did, you’ll get what you got’. The version of the group with an advisory board is version 1.1. And in my opinion, you really need to get to version 2.0. Finally, in the letter that I received with the invitation, I couldn’t find any reference anywhere to the legal system. Whereby I wanted to pick up the phone to report the inappropriate behaviour mentioned in the letter, especially to the police. And to not keep that within the organisation.
In the run up, I liked the bizarre feelings that I had. I had warm memories of the convention, at that time, I was freer and could get up to mischievous adventures. We also never went on holidays so everything that we had to attend to outside of the meetings felt like a holiday to me.
I also know that I am always cordially greeted with loving words by workers. This was also the case at the funerals of my grandmothers. When you also want to create urgency for the situation that the group is in as well, this leads to a strange mixture. Added to by my professing family’s presence. My brother was going to accompany me but he was a little late, so I went alone.
I drove in at 19:00. Another ex member stood waiting for me in the car park. In order to make a statement, I had put on my hot pink pantsuit with my tigerprint heels. Not practical for the convention grounds, but anything for the statement.
I was greeted warmly and told that I was very welcome. It was very strange to be on the convention grounds 25 years later. Not much had changed, really. Except that the people that I saw had all aged a lot. I suspect that they thought the same of me.
After the welcome party at the car park, they brought us to the dining tent, where tea, coffee and juice lay ready for us. We headed to the meeting tent just before 19:30. A circle had been made with three rows of seats.
Introduction by Bart Hartemink
Bart started the introduction and explained that he had received all questions after he had sent out the letter and that he would answer them as best as possible. I noticed that there were a lot of critical questions. The communication to ex members, for example, was on the list. He did not yet have an answer to this.
He also emphasised in the introduction that the police must be brought in in cases of inappropriate behaviour. So two of my three points had been brought to the table by other (ex) members.
There was then plenty of time to ask questions, to be critical and to tell your story. I have sorted the questions by theme.
Relationship with other countries
On reflection, people got very emotional when the widespread abuse in other countries and the option of cutting the group off from those countries was mentioned. Those present employed terms such as calling the group abroad a ‘criminal organisation’ and suggesting that they should break away from them- for the safety of the children throughout all interactions, the workers should take a stand for their own fellowship. Someone mentioned that if you are aware of what has been happening or have been involved with such a community, and don’t distance yourself from them or intervene in some way, then you are complicit.
There were varied reactions to the suggestion to cut ties with other countries. A lot of members mentioned that they had family or good friends in other countries and didn’t want to break contact with them. Bart notably mentioned trying to change things with contacts abroad, but his requests fell on deaf ears.
I personally made the point that the religious group is dependent on the rules of the system and that this creates a feeding ground for abuse. All of these roots need to be studied to avoid large-scale abuse. Because if you do what you did, you get what you got.
Is the group still credible?
Another member asked the question ‘are we still credible as a group?’ Bart could not give an answer to this.
Appeal for love
There was also a plea to have love for the abusers. I personally couldn’t support that. I think that if a paedophile sexually assaults a child, an appropriate (prison) sentence and restrictions would be applicable. This plea was received with indignation by members and in the same thread as my own personal opinion. However, Bart gave no answer as to the opinion of the two by twos.
Abolishing rules and pedestals for the workers
Members testified about the abuse of power by refusing to baptise people due to the length of their skirt, or by doubting the spiritual experience of a member. Excommunication of members if the workers didn’t like what they were doing had also been used as a tactic. A previous older brother or overseer who claimed that criticism was never constructive, was cited. Bart distanced himself from the abuse of power and the quote of the previous older brother/ overseer and said that this wasn’t in line with the group.
At a certain point, someone asked who had NOT had any experience of an abuse of power within the group. Of the large group of people who were present, only a few put their hands up.
A member also requested the removal of the rules around clothing and the ban on televisions. Bart agreed that clothing was not important; as long as it was respectable clothing and everyone could decide themselves what clothing was appropriate. An ex-worker wanted to discuss celibacy- because choosing to go in the work does not mean that feelings go away.
Abuse in the Netherlands
What I found the most impactful part of the discussion was that around 5 victims stood up and told their story. That caused shock and emotion amongst the victims themselves, but also for me. Bart did not want to go into detail on individual cases but, at a certain point, a member outed an abuser who was closely related to them. That meant that everyone knew who the victims were talking about.
It was also very clear that this abuser had been allowed to continue life as usual for more than 20 years and that he had been permitted to go to all meetings and conventions. People reacted with outrage to this. One member said that she ‘felt screwed over’.
What now?
That point was not clearly addressed as the workers and friends still needed to take action on everything. A few of those present asked for action, such as more information evenings, to be taken.
This information evening was at the request of the advisory council. There will perhaps be more of this sort of evening, however this was not certain.
As I left, I spoke to Bart one on one and explained my own story. That felt right for me to do. I also told him, amongst other things, that many ex-members were uniting in groups, both abroad and in the Netherlands.
How did I feel about it all?
I felt that it was an injured religious group. A lot of unrest and criticism from its own members, a lot of commitments from Bart for the convention (although these are not possible to fulfil, especially not if a member has been able to just continue on as usual for 20 years as an abuser and if said abuser would just be allowed to go to the convention.)
There were no statements that members who have abused are no longer welcome. Many apologies, but no actions. The setting up of an advisory board was heavily leaned upon. There will supposedly be many recommendations that will come from said board that create the solution.
I found the powerlessness that came from having no reaction from any other countries to be telling.
A more open line of communication from the workers is good and necessary, but what is even better is if it is not only communication, but that it is followed up by action and vigour.
Further notes:
The advisory board consists of: [Redacted], [Redacted], [Redacted] (+ others)
Internal person of trust: [Redacted], [Redacted] (and others)
There has been a conversation with the intended external person of trust.
Note of translator: Abuser mentioned in above letter was informed of their removal from all gatherings of the group the day after the information evening- on July 13th, 2024.
WINGS Note: This information and discussion evening had been announced in a letter issued by the workers.
See https://wingsfortruth.info/2024/07/06/netherlands-workers-letter-to-friends/
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Sigh…. no change here!
Marg Meyer/Magowan
Thank you so much to the person/s who wrote and translated this report from the Netherlands, and to WINGS for continuing to post updates openly. Finally more of the international pieces begin to come together. Hopefully more connections are being made with others in Europe, and in other regions of the world too.
Thank you also to everyone involved in producing the new BBC radio series on child sexual abuse in our fellowship in Northern Ireland. It includes testimony from survivors of abuse, family members and friends, interviews with some who are leading efforts to bring justice, responses from workers, and other information. It is airing weekly on BBC Radio Ulster and is available for anyone to listen to on the BBC’s website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hvvqqr/episodes/guide The 6-part series (around 15-25 minutes per part) is called “Saints and Servants” and is hosted by the BBC’s “Crime Next Door” series.
That the abuse and cover-up problems are not being addressed transparently, and in a way that’s connected across regions and countries, by “leadership” is part of the on-going horror of these revelations. Again thank you so much to everyone who is helping to bring these things to light, and keeping them in the light.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
To me, this meeting in the Hague has significance. It shows me that two disparate ways of thinking can come together and start to make a difference. Will something worthwhile come of it? I do not know whether that is the Master Plan or not. We will come to know. But I just don’t get the sense that those that would be inclined to cry foul in the Hague will get all they want after all. Eternity might just step in and sort the mess out. Or maybe it will all quieten down and life as everyone knew it will return to normal – Hah! You have more faith in such than me!
And I have mentioned before that much of my opinion has been in that the vast majority of the friends and workers are all following the leaders of the ship of fellows. [Let me rephrase a different way – the leadership of fellowship]. But really, I do not think this is the truth of the matter in the present state of the situation. My real thinking is that it appears very much like in the present day, there are two in the bed, two in the field, and two grinding at the mill. In real numbers, it is hard to split the integer of two in half and come up with anything other than the integers of one plus one. Or one on the one hand, and one on the other. Kinda like one on the right hand and one on the left hand kind of thing. From what I sense, there is a razor edge in society (and incidentally, the church is part of what I am calling society) splitting perspectives in two camps in somewhat equal measure. But in the church? This equal measure I believe is being masked. Masked by those that feel, and have a sense, and kinda want to say something….but they kind of are scared and fearful. There is a lack of courage for a reason. They don’t really know what to do, because the bonds of ‘family’ are strong; whether it be our blood family, or some societal family, the church included. I feel for couples in the church that share the same bed but deep down aren’t really coming together on this matter. Or co-workers pretending they are walking together and singing from the same hymn book. But if people can’t come together and bridge the divide, people will go on in this same state making it look like they all stand on the same bank of the river. I like what my friend wrote – “Because if you do what you did, you get what you got.”
And maybe I am delusional, but from afar, and without knowing anything really about them, I have respect for Bart, Wim, and Martin. My sense? They have become willing to walk beside the people. Even the one that I call my friend, but I have no clue who she is and what she looks like. I don’t even know her name. And know nothing more about her than what she wrote above. Anyone that has not gone to convention for 25 years but has the interest and care in this situation to meet on the convention grounds to try to help in some measure? Even though in an opposing view of the leadership, she did not go to tear down the fellowship from what I can detect. That to me is a woman with true grit. I will call her a friend. And those three workers? They appeared to me like they were willing and humble enough to walk beside her. I will call them my friends also. They must have had a sense there was a tiger in the heart of this woman and mother, and got over the thinking that her limit of spiritual understanding was limited to her tiger heels.
I sat in convention a number of years ago at Apopka, FL. At least I think it was there. A Canadian worker whom I appreciated (but evidently did not really know him), named often on different sites, very eloquently spoke about Jacob meeting Esau after many years. I remember one part well and I have often thought of it. He said in so many words, ‘the road to Shechem in the land of Canaan was a down-grade journey’. He mentioned what Esau said to Jacob. “And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee”. This worker mentioned in so many words, ‘Esau will always want to lead the way…but it will be a slide…a downhill business’. To me, whether it be the Esau nature in every one of us, or the Esau nature in the machinery of religious business affairs, it is a down-grade journey….in my estimation. And the first-born nature in us, and the first-born nature in the religion will want to lead the way. But there is an interesting thing if I have my story right. Melchizedek come from Shalom in Shechem…a valley. Somehow this guy rose above it all from the place between two mountains.
I just wonder. And this is just a supposition of mine. But I am wondering if in the book with 66 books all having a man’s name as the author, that maybe when Jesus told Peter to feed His lambs and feed His sheep, that religious business has interpreted that when they read it, to them it says that Jesus told the messengers to lead His lambs and lead His sheep. Sounds the same. Lead/feed. Maybe it is all about what we want to hear. But I likely shouldn’t be so hard on the 66 books all with man’s name. The one book does have it written, and I do think it came from the Holy Spirit through John (or whoever actually put quill to parchment …who knows) – that if anyone added to this book (the book of revelation or prophecy) or took anything away from this book, they would be….I forget what was written what they would be…but something like potentially not following the lead of the Holy Spirit?
Hah. Here I go again. Confusing the people again/still. Me bad! And I am fine everyone calling me a goat on the left if they think that is what I am. It has taken me a while, but I have studied quite a piece, and have meditated many days in the last year from very early in the morning to the wee hours of the next, without even wanting to eat. And I have come to some little semblance of understanding – I think (my opinion only) that I have come to a little understanding and a little grasp the difference…between my right hand and my left. My left arm and hand comes out the left side of my body, the right arm and the right hand come out of the right side. And quite a revelation I had in all my laborious meditations. I found that I can move my both right and left arms in such a manner that allows my right hand to grasp my left. But I had to employ both sides of my brain to get an inkling of this. About 30 years ago, my boss apparently said to someone to give a certain project to Mark to do because he had half a brain. For the next ten years or so I walked around a bit lopsided, worrying myself sick trying to figure out which half it was that he meant. I wondered which eye and which ear was working and which one was not. Sometimes it is all in the interpretation of the matter. Try walking with someone, both of you holding right hands. Or both holding left hands. Everything will be in alignment in a sense, but direction of travel will be questionable.
So have patience my friends that I will call saints; all those that care and want to see and understand. And faith? Now that is an interesting subject. Faith in what? I have faith that the Caterpillar D-9 dozer of religious enterprise is an amazing thing. Amazing pushing and pulling power and capability. It carries serious weight and has serious traction in the crawlers. Snuff the oxygen from the air inlet of its C18 diesel engine stabling 800 horses though?… and it just becomes a place-holder holding dirt down and my faith goes to shite in this beast of a machine.
Ya. I have faith to believe there is something just below the surface of the blade, and just above the air intake of the D-9 that the operators of worldly and religious affairs do not see. My faith will be in those that read it and interpret as feed, and not lead. And my faith will be in those that are willing to walk beside me, and not insist on leading the way because they think they are spiritually a cut-above. And I will have faith that I was given two eyes and two ears for a reason. And I have the faith to believe it will take more than both sides of my brain – the analytical and the creative. It will also require a heart with substance. What I see in the present time? Some people’s hearts failing them for lack of vision, and others with great faith the dozer is clearing the way to the gates of Jerusalem. There are three sons of Abraham all battling over Jerusalem. And yes, the third son could just be a figleaf of my imagination.
And I am not saying the world and the church does not need good leadership; just to be clear and not more confusing to people than I already may be. But half the people will interpret the word good in one way, and half will interpret it another. One will follow and believe in one good master, and the other will follow the Good Master. Maybe think for a little while people on the concept of ‘spiritual leadership’ though. This has always been a dark area of the human race when one man wants to be the spiritual leader of another. And you know why these ‘leaders’ are successful? There will always be people that seem to want to be led captive. Even if it means taking off the tiger heels they want to wear and putting on the penny loafers to make it appear like their heart is sound.
Somewhere in the middle, hidden below the surface will be the pearl of great price in my estimation. But most people do not like to dig. It is what it is. They want to be led ‘spiritually’ by another man or woman. There I go again…confusing people. Trying to use Occam’s razor to put the left and the right on a razor edge. But it might be where truth resides. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, ya…it is likely a duck. Who wants to listen to the sounds of silence? And who really desires to be about their Father’s business right now? And His heart and His mind? I have a sense; it resides somewhere between His right hand, and His left.
And speaking of sense. Has anyone thought more than 30 milliseconds on the term common sense that we all stand on a perch and throw rocks at others about? Maybe work for a while on that word common. It is not so common… in my estimation. Somewhere in the middle is the common ground and common sense in my view. And the heavy right hand and the heavy left will have none of it. Interesting times. There is a Mediator and an Advocate for the captives. But some will always get to feeling at home in Babylon. The prophet will let them stay there. The work in Zion will get done regardless. And speaking of the word regardless, ever thought of that word? Oh shut up Mark! Too many words already!
@Mark interesting meditations. Good thoughts on Esau. Yes every morning when we get out of bed, it is Esau’s feet that hit the floor first. Enjoyed your rambling about faith . Made me think what we heard recently. It says from faith to faith. Most of us believe it must be from faith to better understanding BUT, that’s not what it says. Need to do some reflecting on that truth.
okay Amen. – will do.
sounds like you think you need not do the same as what you suggest I do.
But that is fine Amen. New information only confuses many people.
@Mark, with all due respect, I don’t think you need to reflect on anything, I was referring to what I should reflect on. As I did that the words came to mind – faith sees the heavenly legions where doubt sees not but foes. I take that to mean if my faith is in Christ and what He can do, I’ll see heavenly legions around me. If my faith is in a system, or others, I will see lots of foes. Peace brother.
I apologize once again to you Amen. I did think after I posted that maybe some of what you wrote I misunderstood. I don’t understand sometimes and I jump to conclusions if I do not think on things enough.
But I assume you know what ‘with all due respect’ means in the idiom. 🙂
Anyway Amen, I do believe you are an honest man. And I appreciate that. And would call you my brother also, though we may not see eye-to-eye on all things.
…and I do apologize to everyone for my ramblings. I hope it did not take any more than 3/4 hour to get through them.
and Amen ….what is ‘it’ that you refer to?
You say ‘it’ says. Sounds like a thing that can speak.
CSA is an ugly issue in society in general — 2x2ism has no monopoly on it. However there are some aspects of CSA that are unique within the 2×2 organization.
#1 — Loyalty to “the perfect way” is the highest priority – especially for senior workers. This duty of system loyalty exceeds EVERY other concern – 2x2ism has somehow always regarded it a moral responsibility to give “inside” perpetrators (especially workers) a superior credibility over any accusation that would imply the slightest negative implication toward “this perfect way of God”.
#2 — 2x2ism major/only concern for victims is to minimize the threat to the testimony that they represent – They are regarded as a far greater threat to image than perpetrators .. Perpetrators can be dealt with in less damaging ways. Note that in all the discussions and guide lines drawn up – victims personal life damaging situation and future wellfare is NEVER regarded as a problem 2x2ism need to individually deal with or take responsibility for. Note a recent “apology” withdrawn from a confessed abuser –“Sorry .. but hope we can still be friends!!”
#3 – 2x2ism refuses to even discuss the structural issues that in reality foster this indecent sexual behavior —- An unscriptural celibate ministry .. demanded trust and ‘demanded respect’ for workers – the creation of a highly unsuitable living environment for folks with normal sexual appetite.
First Person:
Thank you my friend Edgar.
And most of the friends will de-friend me for calling Edgar Massey my friend. They can decide.
Third Person:
Most people do not know who Edgar Massey is, and many of the ones that do, seem to think he is bitter. I am guessing yes, and I could be wrong, but yes there is likely a form of bitterness in his soul for trying to advocate for an abused individual in the meeting group, and being booted from the fellowship as a result. He and his wife and children stood alone in defense of the vulnerable. And the remainder of the church were convinced to stay away from them. Like they had leprosy. And he paid a price for it in the church. Many have stood alone for 25 years or more because they tried to uncover shite in this organization and were forced by religious zealots to walk the plank. And the remainder of the church bowed before the zealots. Alberta should have been spiritually on fire 25 years ago…but sometimes it takes a while for the forest to awaken with a roar. And the heritage of man’s sanctuary gets leveled. This climate change in the religions of man? Half the kindred and tongue of nations and religions will blaspheme God and not even realize they are doing such! Why? Because they are saying there is no such thing as climate change in the church. They say it is just a figleaf of man’s imagination. And it could be a figment of my own imagination, but I see two worlds beginning to collide. Who is watching?
But back on the bitterness subject, I see a bitterness in the soul of leadership of this institution. A bitterness for being ‘found out’. And that bitterness is being touted as Holy Spirit led…or sanctioned somehow by the book of religion. All the eggs of the bitterness movement are being put into the foundation of two. The foundation of One has become a mockery.
Yes people, I did ramble in my last writing. And I expected no applause…and no standing ovations or 23. Even though it might have taken 40 minutes for a person to read my writing, I did expect it to be swept in the dustbin. But alleluia, I came not to Jerusalem to fool you. From the thrones of man will come the orations that generate applause in nations and peoples and kindreds and tongues. I like so many others, have been tied to the kitchen chair of religious enterprise, and zealots with ulterior motives cut my hair. The eyes were plucked out…but there is more to this story. And the alleluias projected toward the religious thrones will one day be silenced.
I still have hope, that another nation would not be reluctant in aligning themselves with Holland in a progressive, but at the same time conservative, movement to make a difference in the church and say that CSA and SA…and the covering of such is not Holy Spirit led after all. It might be some sort of biblical led, but pick your leader. Many things I do not understand, but one thing is how the church can be so hell-bent on abusing the children then promoting it as foundational in the church. I don’t really understand. I don’t really care if the ministry makes out in the bushes with another consenting adult. But abuse the children and say it never really happened? And say their defense of the perpetrators is justified because their ‘feelings’ were hurt? I suppose I should not say I care not at all about the ministry making out in the bushes. If they want to do that, don’t stand at the podium and orate your spiritual superiority. Admit to people you are a wanker, then maybe your spiritual message will carry some weight. But alas, this sort of thing will always be, because from the throne will be sold the convincing words of innocence and purity – and some sort of justification …and most people will buy those words…with applause. It all comes down to the tally of votes in the chambers of man’s enterprise. And yes, there is blood on both parties’ hands in the church. But I am guessing – it is a 25:1 ratio. With 900 recorded perpetrators in the church, that would put it as 36 unjustly accused.
But maybe, just maybe…another nation will align themselves with Australia and New Zealand instead of Holland. That is fine with me. Just do something…and get off this merry-go-round…the people are dizzy…leaders included. Or we can just let big brother Esau lead the way on the first horse in the merry-go-round. Whatever!
It was a privilege to host Edgar Massey and family in our home last year. Edgar is a man governed by moral convictions and moral clarity. If anyone de-friends you because you consider Edgar your friend, that is not a negative reflection on you or Edgar, it is on the other person…..and it’s not a good reflection.
We have a morals crisis in the church. When people place their foremost faith and loyalty in persons (like workers) or a system (like the homeless ministry and meeting in the home), morals and virtues fill a minor role at best. Hence the lax protection of children, the shunning, the emotional abuse, control, hypocrisy, secrecy and false pride. The values are upside down and need to be righted.
Could the WINGS admins please consider posting this excellent article from the Nederlands Dagblad, dated January 10th, 2025? https://www.nd.nl/geloof/geloof/1252917/deze-sektarische-beweging-heeft-honderden-aanhangers-in-neder#closemodal
The article is published in Dutch and mostly behind a paywall, but a full English translation was posted by Pamela Walton (thank you!) on the “Exposing Abuse: 2x2s” facebook page. Cross-posting on WINGS will help ensure wider accessibility for people who are interested in how the sexual abuse crisis in our community is unfolding in Europe.
The article includes interviews with the Dutch head workers (overseers), people currently in the fellowship, and people who have left the fellowship. It is transparently investigated and reported. Nederlands Dagblad is described on Wikipedia as a Dutch daily newspaper that “attempts to offer a broader perspective on contemporary issues from a Christian point of view.” This article is part one of a two-part report.