Please see an English language translation and the original Dutch language letter, pasted below.
The letter is concerning as it announces meeting privileges for Hilbertjan even though he has multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour and abuse toward other members of the meetings community. It minimizes the behaviour (e.g. by referring to “signals”).
We are especially concerned as this shows a willingness by senior workers, and indeed apparently the entire Dutch staff, to ignore multiple credible reports of abuse. Recent painful experience in the US is just one example of how ignoring reports can lead to further terrible consequences (e.g. Ira Hobbs).
It is good that the workers acknowledge that they did not respond properly in the past. However, it is concerning that they are allowing the abuser to attend meetings, special meetings and conventions.
It is important to disclose this information before the convention season in Europe, which already is getting underway, so that people can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Apeldoorn, Tuesday April 21, 2026
Dear friends.
Approaching 2025 convention season, we received multiple reports regarding Hilbertjan’s behavior. In the context of the broader unrest surrounding transgressive behavior, this raised questions and also created tension within our community.
Out of concern for the community and for Hilbertjan himself, we decided to escort him home before the start of the conventions. After the conventions, the reports were discussed with the involved confidants.
A formal report was received. This was discussed with both the person making the report and Hilbertjan, under the guidance of two confidants. The person making the report experienced this conversation as healing, and the report has therefore been closed.
An incident from the past was also discussed. This was recently addressed with those involved and has been taken into account in the current assessment.
Furthermore, another incident from the past was mentioned in anonymous messages. This incident was resolved between Hilbertjan and the person involved quite some time ago. Clear agreements have been made between them.
We acknowledge that signals regarding Hilbertjan’s behavior in the past were not taken sufficiently seriously by us. With hindsight, we are aware that things should have been handled differently. We also understand that this situation has caused tension or pain for some.
Hilbertjan is currently participating in gatherings within his own area and receiving guidance outside the community. Based on the conversations held and this guidance, we deem it responsible for him to attend gatherings and special meetings outside his own area and participate in conventions starting in May 2026.
In this regard, clear agreements have been made regarding participation, contact, visits, and evaluation moments. These agreements have been discussed with Hilbertjan and accepted by him.
Should new signals arise, the situation will be reassessed.
This message has been drafted on the advice of the involved confidants, in consultation with Hilbertjan, his immediate family, and in collaboration with Wim, Bart and Martin. The content of this message has been discussed extensively with all Dutch workers.
We realize that this subject is sensitive. Anyone who needs to talk or has questions can contact us or one of the involved confidants directly.
WINGS readers may be interested in a video presentation of compiled information from years of workers lists for field, speaking and visits, to show patterns in movements of some abusers. The same video is at both these links:
Many thanks to Pamela Walton for compiling the data, to Jason Waselenko for mapping it carefully, and to Crystal Stiles Mandt for hosting the presentation.
The video was a live recorded show hosted by Crystal focusing on patterns of hidden sexual abuse in the 2×2 church. The show presented extensive factual data showing how perpetrators were systematically reassigned and moved around the world while abuse allegations were minimized and communities remained unaware of predators in their midst.
Jason demonstrated detailed visual maps showing travel patterns of known abusers like Dean Bruer, Dallas Lineman, Robert Corfield, and others, revealing extensive international travel and connections between alleged perpetrators.
Pam explained her meticulous work tracking reports, allegations, and timelines, emphasizing the importance of getting information to help protect communities. The presentation included specific examples of how alleged abusers continued traveling and attending meetings even after allegations became known to church leadership, with 45-73% of travel occurring after allegations were reported.
The guests stressed this was factual information from official church lists and documents, not emotional allegations, and called for continued documentation and sharing of information to protect current and future victims.
Some screenshots from the presentation show the extent of local and international travel by selected abusers, with red lines showing travel after the abuse was known.
The full video has more commentary and other slides showing connections between abusers.
Former Canadian overseer Walter Burkinshaw has multiple allegations of child sex abuse.
This post contains two letters:
A 2020 letter in which Burkinshaw admits to ‘handling of a little girl’ which was actually sexually abusing the little girl.
A March 2021 letter from current British Columbia overseer Merlin Affleck to his staff regarding allegations against Walter Burkinshaw and Aaron Farough, a former worker who was later convicted on child pornography charges.
Burkinshaw’s letter minimizes and downplays the abuse he admitted to, framing his crimes in a way that shifts attention away from the harm done to the victim and toward his own desire for forgiveness and reassurance. The letter also includes a subtle warning about defamation, even though defamation applies only to false statements.
Affleck’s letter claims that “it is important to be open, honest, and transparent,” yet Affleck immediately restricts sharing and scripting. He does not mention that Burkinshaw admitted to abusing a little girl. Instead, he distances himself and the church by leaving accountability measures with government agencies. He expresses no apology or care and concern for the victims and again leaves that to the government.
Walter Burkinshaw and Aaron Farough are still in meetings with no apparent restrictions or measures in place to keep children safe.
Merlin Affleck remains the current overseer of British Columbia even though an allegation of child sexual abuse was reported against him to law enforcement in Canada as well as to the FBI.
2×2 Church Accountability May 27, 2026
WINGS Note:
“…recent occurrences of a negative impact…” are actually cases of criminal Child Sexual Abuse.
Being ‘open, honest and transparent’ is not achieved by requesting the letter to not be copied or forwarded.
McChesney was aquitted because the charges of Sexual Assault and Sexual Exploitation were not ‘proven beyond reasonable doubt’ – the legal requirement for a conviction. The report below from CBC News provides full details.
Former fundamentalist minister in B.C. found not guilty of historical sexual abuse
Lee-Ann McChesney acquitted on charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation dating back to 1989
Karin Larsen · CBC News · Posted: Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 21
Lee-Ann McChesney, a former 2x2s minister, has been acquitted in B.C. Supreme Court of historical sexual abuse. (David Horemans/CBC)
A former minister in the 2x2s Christian fundamentalist sect was found not guilty of historical sexual assault and sexual exploitation dating back to 1989.
In acquitting Lee-Ann McChesney, Justice Michael Stephens said Crown had not proven the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Stephens described the case as “difficult” due to the subject matter.
Only one witness, complainant Lyndell Montgomery, was called to give evidence during the trial in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, about incidents alleged to have taken place in Terrace, Delta and Surrey when she was 14 and 15 years old.
The court heard Montgomery was adopted as an infant into a devout 2x2s family, and had been sent to live under the care of McChesney, a minister in the church, during the time of the allegations.
Montgomery requested her name not be under a publication ban. Publication bans are common in cases involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child or youth.
McChesney declined comment outside of court and no 2x2s leader was present.
Montgomery was supported at trial by over a dozen people in the gallery. In a statement sent to CBC News after the trial, she said she wasn’t sorry for choosing to engage the court.
“Telling [my story] was for my own healing, sure, but it was also for everyone who can’t — whether they’re silenced by a statute of limitations, by death of their perp or by fear. This was my story, but now it’s a part of others as well,” she wrote.
FBI 2 years into 2x2s investigation
The case in New Westminster is one of a handful in Canada where 2x2s complainants have gone to police seeking criminal charges against church members, although hundreds of allegations of child sexual abuse and abuse have been recorded by independent researchers.
Two years ago, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the 2x2s and issued an public appeal for help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of abuse and/or criminal behaviour within the sect.
In an email to CBC News, the FBI said the investigation remains open, but no details could be shared in order to preserve the integrity and capabilities of the investigation.
The email said 2x2s victims of abuse from outside the U.S. are encouraged to contact the FBI.
“In coordination with our Legal Attaché Offices around the world, we routinely share information and intelligence with our international law enforcement partners in an effort to identify and mitigate threats,” said an FBI spokesperson.
The 2x2s operate globally. The faith teaches that it is the only true way to salvation. Former members who have spoken to CBC News described the church as high-control, insular and secretive.
Although commonly referred to as 2x2s, the organization is officially nameless. It doesn’t keep official records or publish a leadership structure, and own no places of worship, according to multiple sources.
Ministry is conducted in the homes of the faithful, known as “friends,” or in rented spaces. Ministers, known as “workers” have no formal training and live in the homes of friends who are expected to provide financial and material support. Senior workers called “overseers” control a geographical region and are exclusively male.
The FBI investigation was sparked by an outpouring of abuse allegations that emerged after an overseer named Dean Bruer was found dead in an Oregon motel room in 2022, according to multiple sources CBC News spoke to.
Following his death, a letter written by an overseer named Doyle Smith described Bruer’s double life, calling him as a “sexual predator” whose “actions include raped and abuse of underage victims.” The letter has been posted publicly, including by the organization Wings for Truth, which documents activity within the 2x2s organization.
Lyndell Montgomery poses with supporters outside of B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster. From left to right: Cynthia Liles, Lyndell Montgomery, Judy Scheller and Jen Barth. (Karin Larsen/CBC)
After the revelations about Bruer, Cynthia Liles, a former 2x2s member and private investigator in Oregon, launched a non-profit called 2x2s Church Accountability. It runs an independent reporting hotline to document allegations of abuse within the 2x2s that Liles says has received reports of over 1200 alleged perpetrators.
Liles believes from the information collected that leaders in the 2x2s church have been ignoring allegations of child sexual abuse within the sect and protecting perpetrators for years.
“I thought when [church leadership] became aware of the amount of abuse we were hearing about that they would be shocked and do something about it. But they already knew about it and they had no intention of changing,” she said.
Liles travelled to New Westminster to support Montgomery during the trial. So did Jen Barth, a former 2x2s member who was drawn into an earlier criminal trial involving former 2x2s minister Aaron Farough, who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child pornography in 2023.
Farough was living in the Barth family home in Courtenay, B.C., during a portion of the time he committed the crimes.
“Originally, I, Jen Barth, was under investigation because the [internet service provider] for our household is in my name,” she said.
Barth says the 2x2s organization has shown little accountability.
“They are avoiding, they are minimizing, they are concealing. They are denying these allegations. And we all know, these things need to be taken seriously.
Irish-based Christian sect ‘protected abusers for decades’
The authorities are supporting the FBI’s global investigation into the Two by Twos, with roughly 900 individuals accused across more than 30 countries
Jason Johnson Friday March 06 2026, 9.14pm GMT, The Sunday Times
ILLUSTRATION BY TONY BELL
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.
Worldwide membership stands at between 75,000 and 85,000, with about 2,000 members in Ireland meeting in home-based churches, typically three or four families in a living room on Sundays.
Jonathan O’Reilly, a Cork-based advocate who grew up in the fellowship and has spent more than a decade challenging its handling of abuse, said: “The way this organisation operates has given opportunity for sex offenders to operate. Workers move from home to home with complete trust and these people are held up as holy, but some of them clearly are not.
“When something terrible happens, the first question is never, how do we protect this child? It’s, how do we protect the ministry?”
This view is disputed by Craig Fulton, the fellowship’s leader, or overseer, in Ireland.
One family, whose case has been passed directly to the FBI, allege that a member — who was not a missionary — abused their daughter from the age of 12 during fellowship events. They also claim that, although the man was asked to step away “until things become clear”, he became involved again in fellowship activities after two months.
Craig Fulton
No criminal charges have been brought, and within a decentralised movement that stresses repentance, his presence at gatherings has continued.
The girl had shown signs of severe distress in her early teens but it was only when she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, while suicidal, that she disclosed claims of what had been done to her over two years by a member of their community.
While the matter was reported to gardai and Tusla, the child and family protection agency, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said that a successful prosecution was unlikely. The family moved away from the area to avoid seeing the man.
Her father said: “I can personally name nine individuals in Ireland, one deceased, with credible allegations against them. What we know is just the tip of the iceberg.”
The Sunday Times has also spoken to one man whose wife, after taking a sedative, was joined on a bus journey by a fellow member of the sect. A sexual assault began after she told the man she was going to sleep. The attack continued for the three-hour journey, she said, leaving her “frozen in fear”. The attacker was convicted, fined and given a suspended sentence.
When her husband approached figures in the community, one allegedly asked: “How bad was this, that you feel you need to go to the police?” This account is disputed by Fulton.
Another case involves Noel Tanner, a Co Cork-born preacher who began sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy in Co Tyrone in the early 1970s.
When the matter was reported in the mid-1970s, Tanner was moved from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and it is claimed that it was asked that a victim’s written statement be destroyed.
Tanner was convicted of sexual offences in 1984 and again in 1991. In 2017 he was jailed for a year in Northern Ireland for the Tyrone attack.
The FBI is investigating claims against the Two by Twos AL DRAGO/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
The victim said he knew of 11 other males abused by Tanner and estimated the total number at between 50 and 100.
The fellowship did not introduce a formal safeguarding policy in Ireland until 2016. When one victim’s relative requested a copy in 2022, he said he was told he was the first person to have asked for one.
An updated version, dated January 2026, sets out reporting obligations to Tusla and acknowledges workers are subject to a garda vetting process.
Ministers in Ireland are treated as “mandated persons” under child protection law, according to the fellowship’s Irish leader, Fulton.
He said the fellowship had developed its safeguarding policy “step by step with Tusla”, adding that the agency had “okayed” the updated document.
In its safeguarding policy the group states that it “is not a formal or registered body and we simply use the title ‘Christians’”.
Cynthia Liles, a US investigator and former fellowship member who helped launch the Advocates for the Truth hotline, has issued multiple “red boxes” identifying alleged perpetrators connected to the fellowship — published when three or more verified allegations exist against one person.
Liles began investigating after the 2022 death of the US church leader Dean Bruer, whose laptop revealed a digital trail of widespread abuse by him.
She said that for more than 100 years “church leaders maintained and protected predators by relocating them across regions, states and international borders to avoid detection”.
Cynthia Liles
Fulton said that when allegations are raised, “the first thing that we do is report it” to Tusla and gardai. He said the safeguarding policy, although first emerging as late as 2016, had been developed in consultation with Tusla and that none of the 30 workers in Ireland at present had outstanding allegations against them.
“Nothing is pushed under the carpet,” he said. “Nothing at all. If something comes to light, we deal with it.”
On the case of the young woman, he said her alleged abuser had been “asked not to attend our fellowship until things become clear”.
He added: “We base our principles on things like repentance and forgiveness. So if a person caused that hurt to someone else, hasn’t given true repentance, how can he be part of a Christian fellowship?”
The FBI launched its global investigation in late 2023 and has been working via its legal attaché in London with partners in the UK and Ireland. It is calling on “victims outside of the United States to contact the FBI”.
An Garda Siochana said it did not comment on “named entities”.
As a grandmother, I feel a deep responsibility to speak when the safety of children may be involved. With the upcoming Special Meeting rounds approaching, I believe it’s important that you are aware of a recent matter concerning Loren Quick.
Loren has acknowledged an incident involving inappropriate physical interaction with a minor and has expressed regret.
The parents who witnessed the behavior were troubled enough to notify law enforcement.
They also notified Greg Harger, overseer.
A police report was subsequently filed, December 2025, and I understand the matter may still be under review.
I do not know whether Loren has received counseling or any professional evaluation.
However, Loren’s name currently appears on the Special Meeting list, and this may include visits to homes in Indiana or Michigan where children are present.
Speaking simply as a grandmother who treasures the safety and innocence of children, I strongly encourage that thoughtful precautions be taken during these rounds and that parents remain attentive and proactive regarding their children’s wellbeing.
My intention is not to pass judgment, but to ensure awareness and to encourage appropriate safeguarding.
The well-being of our children must always come first.
Sincerely, Sally VanSickle
WINGS Note:
The Police report is attached below. Key details include:
Statement of Facts
On the listed date and time, person number 1 had person number 2 in their home for a ministry program, where a minister stays in the home, joins them for dinner, then joins them for church on Sunday. Person 1 informed me on 12/12/2025 that during the period that person 2 had stayed in her home, he had been making strange advances to her 12 year old son. She advised that person number 2 had been essentially messing with her son by putting his arm around him numerous times, almost like a light choke hold. Her son told him to stop, and was tired of it, calling him a bully. Afterwards, person 2 was making for advances asking “Can I bully you?” numerous times. Person number 1 began feeling uncomfortable with the situation, and had her son stay in her and her husbands room for the night due to person number 2 staying over. The next day, 12/04/2025, person 1 had left for work, while her husband and son were at home with person 2. Her husband advised that he had also seen the incident occur, as well as other who came by later for a get together and supper. She advised person 2 had left the following day, but had a strange feeling so she wanted to make an informational report for documentation purposes. She advised that she did not have any other identifiers for person 2 besides his first and last name, a possible address ([Redacted], Grand Blanc, MI, 48439) and a possible birth year (1964). I advised to consult an attorney and civil for the possibility of a restraining order, and advised to report if he did come back to their residence.
WINGS has posted previously about admitted abuser Robert Corfield, who was a worker in Canada and USA.
BBC News has just published another article about Corfield, noting that he still hasn’t been charged despite admitting his child sexual abuse (CSA) offending. Corfield had admitted the abuse of a child for six years, starting when the child was 12.
Corfield previously claimed that it was only against a single victim. Now another victim has reported that he was also abused by Corfield, about a decade prior to the first reported victim. The second reported victim tried to tell his parents at the time but they “refused to have anything to do with that, because he was a preacher and he could do no wrong.”
Corfield sent a letter to one victim saying that he was preparing a list of victims, thus confirming that he didn’t just abuse a single child.
Overseer Dale Shultz and other overseers are implicated in concealing the crime. Corfield was shifted across the border to the US state of Montana where he continued as a worker for 25 years.
At this stage neither RCMP nor FBI have charged Corfield, and there is no information as to why this hasn’t occurred.
WINGS readers may wish to write original personal letters to Saskatchewan’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Tim McLeod, K.C. jus.minister@gov.sk.ca expressing concern about the inaction against the alleged criminal and possible conspirators.
WINGS note: this letter did not receive a response.
June 19, 2025
Dear Ray,
I hope this note finds you feeling better. I heard you have been experiencing pain in your spine, and I just wanted to let you know you have been on my mind and in my prayers.
One morning recently, I woke up thinking of you and felt moved to write. Though this is outside my comfort zone, I’m reaching out because of the deep respect others have shared about you and because you have the heart and strength to help in a meaningful way.
There have been many conversations lately surrounding the very serious matters of child sexual abuse, as well as emotional and spiritual harm within our fellowship. I know many who hold you in high esteem. I only met you briefly—while serving at the workers’ table at the Carsonville, Michigan convention—but I’ve followed the journey of this fellowship closely. I am part of the fourth generation in the fellowship and we have hosted Sunday morning and Wednesday evening meetings for 25 years. My husband and I are now in our seventies, still attending, still enjoying fellowship, and celebrating 54 years of marriage.
Over time, I’ve heard from individuals who have spoken very highly of your kindness, empathy, and support during their most vulnerable times—names like [redacted, redacted, redacted, and redacted] Each of them described you as thoughtful and compassionate. I believe those same characteristics still live in you, and I hope that, even now, you’re being led by that same heart.
What compels me to write is not judgment, but a deep longing for integrity in leadership and for the Spirit of Jesus to be visible in those called to care for His people. Sadly, what I’ve observed—and heard from others—has raised heavy concerns. While many begin with humility and sincerity, something often changes once they become leaders, part of what some have called the “good old boys club.” Access to “trust funds,” lack of accountability, and a shift in spirit often follow. Men who were once grounded and tender seem to grow distant, arrogant, and hardened.
We’ve seen examples: leaders insisting on taking the pulpit at funerals, ignoring letters from concerned individuals, excusing serious misconduct quietly without warning others, and failing to visit and know the people they serve. It leaves us wondering:
Do they genuinely care for the flock?
Have they studied what the Bible expects of elders?
Are they walking in the humility, honesty, and compassion Jesus modeled?
Why is the well-being of vulnerable individuals overlooked?
Why are the concerns of women, victims, and even fellow workers dismissed?
We’ve also noticed a concerning trend of leaders insulating themselves—delegating hard conversations to others, allowing rudeness and dismissiveness toward women, while at the same time spending extended one-on-one time with favored “sisters” in ways that raise questions. These patterns hurt people deeply. Many have been cast out or left behind, not because of wrongdoing, but because the system broke them.
I’m not writing out of bitterness, but from a broken heart. Jesus is our example—He is the Shepherd, the Truth, the Advocate, the Deliverer, and the Friend of the outcast. I believe you still hold the key to being a leader like Him, one who reflects His spirit of humility, courage, and love.
Forget the Overseer Meeting notes. Speak from your heart. Write a letter of apology. Acknowledge the harm that has been done and take a bold step.
I encourage you to ask each state to donate to Bridges & Balm—a grassroots effort to care for those hurt or cast aside by the fellowship.
Let each state write public letters of acknowledgment. Stand against the evil behavior in the ministry that has gone unchecked for too long.
We need more friends like:
Ruth, loyal
Hannah, prayerful
Elizabeth, encouraging
Deborah, bold and courageous
Mary, quiet yet full of faith
And we need to follow Jesus, who is:
The Lamb and the Lion,
The Bread and the Vine,
The Morning Star and our Foundation,
The Redeemer and the Good Shepherd.
I have heard that some overseers are now discussing how to respond to growing questions from the churches.
But what if, instead of a formal statement, you became the voice of comfort for those hurt and discarded? What if you reached out to those who were told, “There’s no place for you,” and reminded them that they are precious to God?
Ray, you can still be that man—the one who sees the need, listens with compassion, and acts with courage. I am asking, from my heart and before God’s throne, that you return to your first love and calling. Let your words, your actions, and your leadership reflect Jesus.
You can help bring healing to those who have suffered so much. I believe in the testimony you had 20–25 years ago, and that is why I am pleading with you now—to stand up boldly, to speak truth in love, and to help restore what has been broken.
Thank you for reading this. I do not have all the answers, but I’ve written what’s been laid on my heart. I trust God will lead you to understand what is needed—and to act with grace and conviction.
We are sharing this updated information as a group of individuals who are concerned for the welfare of victims and survivors of abuse in the fellowship – especially sexual abuse of children and adults, as well as other forms of abuse. We are based in the UK and Ireland and recently have been forging links with those who share these concerns in other countries in Europe and Africa as well as North America. UPDATE: Since our initial communication in July 2025 several of us have taken the advocate training course in trauma-informed care provided by the Pathways to Healing Network.
Over the last few years there have been many connected to the fellowship who have disclosed sexual abuse; some still attend meetings, and some no longer do. This trend has continued over the last months and it is likely many more have yet to disclose. It takes courage to come forward, and there are many barriers that make this particularly difficult for those associated with this fellowship.
The dedicated channels of support and resources for survivors and those who are seeking to support them have continued to expand over the last six months. These are for survivors at all stages of their journey, from those who are yet to come forward, to those who have disclosed and those who are healing. They are being shared globally and are available for anyone in Ireland, the UK, Europe, Africa and beyond. Confidentiality is assured.
Pathways to Healing Network is staffed by licensed counsellors and therapists who provide safety, support, and personalised care for those healing from abuse, trauma, and betrayal in the home church fellowship. We have experienced their care and dedication at first hand. https://www.pathways2healing.org
Bridges and Balm is a charity whose focus is supporting the financial and emotional well-being of resting and transitioning workers as well as survivors of sexual and emotional abuse in the home church fellowship. Again, we have experienced their care and dedication at first hand. https://bridgesandbalm.org
UPDATE: Other charities have been set up in North America recently which also work closely with Pathways to Healing Network to provide support for survivors of abuse in the fellowship. Thank you to the coordinators and donors who make this support possible.
2×2 Church Accountability isstaffed by a professional investigative team, led by Cynthia Liles, and retired criminal justice agents. To report abuse you may contact the 2×2 Church Accountability hotline at +1 503-386-4634 or via WhatsApp at +1 503-334-6866. UPDATE: A new website is in development: www.2x2ChurchAccountability.org
A safeguarding policy has been developed for each of the regions within Ireland and the UK and is available from any of the local workers.
The resources listed above are independent of and separate from the UK/Ireland safeguarding policies and are specially aimed at supporting those associated with the fellowship.
We would encourage victims/survivors to reach out to the Pathways to Healing Network. We know of several who have done so and have been connected swiftly with support.
If criminal behaviour has occurred, you may need support in reporting to local law enforcement.
The FBI has an ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse in the fellowship. To report abuse to the FBI go to https://tips.fbi.gov and quote “2×2 church” or call +1 800-225-5324.
We hope this information will be of help.
From a group of concerned current and former members in Ireland, the UK, Europe and Africa.
Recently an experienced investigator published an allegation against overseer Merlin Affleck (British Columbia, Canada).
WINGS did not report that allegation as our policy has been to only report court cases and convictions that are on public record (newspaper or court), as our team does not have the resources to vet all allegations and could face legal action for defamation.
Since then, Merlin has posted a denial, stating that “the allegation is completely false”, so WINGS is now providing this commentary on those public posts.
Merlin’s post raises a number of issues.
The 2021 Child Safe Policy for British Columbia states that: “Any person under police investigation …. will not be permitted to participate in gatherings that provide access to children without permission being granted by the professionals involved in the investigation.” WINGS understand that the allegation was reported to FBI and to local law enforcement in Canada, so:
Did the professionals provide approval for Merlin to continue to attend gatherings where children were present (as required by the Child Safe Policy)?
Why was the investigation not acknowledged publicly when it was first known?
Why does Merlin claim that “there are no investigations involving this allegation”? Does he mean no current investigations? Does he know that FBI do not have a current investigation? Why didn’t he acknowledge that RCMP did undertake an investigation, even if it is now closed?
Historic cases may be difficult to prosecute or prove as there may be no corroborating evidence and it is a ‘he said / she said’ dispute. However, publishing the allegation may lead to further cases being reported, or for additional evidence being provided that may support or disprove the allegation.
This case shows that a Child Safe Policy or Code of Conduct is not sufficient to handle allegations if
The policy isn’t applied; or
Management don’t respond to allegations openly and honestly.
WINGS does not take any position about the veracity of the allegation against Merlin, but observes that failing to disclose details of allegations does not achieve a good outcome.
WINGS for Truth 