Items of interest regarding child sexual abuse, and especially as it relates to the Friends and Workers fellowship.
This case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Evan Byers was in the work in Wisconsin 1994-2001. He married in 2003.
He faces three counts relating to 2000-2001:
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10.30 am May 10, 2024.
Amy Williams of RNZ May 05, 2024, • 01:22pm
The sects annual gatherings are held on rural properties around the country over four days.
Warning: This story discusses details of sexual abuse
An American minister of a secretive global sect who was outed as a paedophile and sexual predator after his death visited New Zealand multiple times to attend the religious group’s annual gatherings.
The FBI is working with international law enforcement partners to investigate abuse within the group known as the Two by Twos or The Truth, and police here are investigating at least one former minister for historical abuse.
The sect said it was not aware of any victims of the American minister in New Zealand but it had received one historical sexual abuse complaint arising from its annual gatherings.
The closed sect has many unspoken rules, no official name or church buildings, and its itinerant ministers are volunteers who are celibate and stay in members’ homes.
The sect’s faithful gather in their hundreds on rural properties across the country where rows of canvas tents are set up for the annual conventions, usually held over four days.
Elliot* recently left the sect but attended the conventions every year – often listening to ministers who had come from overseas.
“The point of concern that’s become apparent is that there’s been people who visited here that now there’s allegations against… It’s not clear that there’s ever been any kind of vetting or the country of origin letting us know.”
Those who had faced allegations included an American minister, Dean Bruer, whose sexual abuse of children and young people was revealed after he died in 2022 – and was the catalyst for hundreds of victims disclosing abuse at his and others’ hands.
“Some people call it Bruer-gate. I would say that most people in the group know that there was an issue with Dean Bruer who passed away and that has started this whole situation,” Elliot said.
After Bruer died, an internal letter by his successor in the sect leadership was leaked on social media. The letter stated that Bruer was a “sexual predator” whose actions included “rape and abuse of underage victims”.
Two women set up a hotline just over a year ago, and the floodgates opened – their February update said more than 1500 victims had come forward from around the world.
The sect, founded in Ireland in 1897, is believed to have 100,000 members worldwide, including 2500 in New Zealand.
The sect’s New Zealand spokesperson Wayne Dean responded to RNZ’s questions by email.
He confirmed Bruer had visited conventions here in the 1970s before becoming a minister, and again as a speaker in 2007 and 2016.
Elliot said that was a concern.
“Everyone eats together, some people are in caravans, some in sleeping quarters which are communal, separated men and women but communal, there’s showers and toilets but you all eat together in the dining shed.”
The conventions were held each summer on members’ rural properties in Auckland’s Pukekohe, Ngaere in Taranaki, Masterton, and Winchester in South Canterbury.
People attending the conventions sleep in tents and caravans, or in communal bunk rooms segregated by gender.
Dean said the sect was not aware of any victims of the American minister in New Zealand.
“To the best of my knowledge, the ministry has not been made aware of any victims of Dean Bruer in New Zealand.”
The sect was aware, however, of one instance of historical sexual abuse at its conventions and the person accused had been removed from the fellowship.
It had zero tolerance for any child being harmed and in recent years the rules for who slept in communal areas had changed, he said.
“Convention facilities are similar to public camping grounds, with accommodation options including caravan/campervan, tents or dormitories.
“Families are encouraged to use ‘family only’ accommodation areas – however, people can choose to use the on-site dormitory or tents in segregated areas. Children are required to be in accommodation with their parent/s.”
The current procedure for ministers visiting from overseas was to check with the “home region” to “ensure they have no current allegations or concerns regarding child sexual abuse or misconduct”, Dean said.
Visiting ministers also completed MinistrySafe training and signed a code of conduct, as did its local ministers.
Other safeguards and health and safety steps had been taken to ensure the safety of children, he added.
Australasian victim advocate Jillian Hishon runs the confidential hotline The Brave Truth, which had received more calls from New Zealand victims since RNZ broke the story.
She had heard from Australian victims who were abused at these conventions and said the communal sleeping areas were a problem.
“Sometimes that … can be a really awesome place for kids and they grow and meet new friends and all the rest of it – but other times it was places where children got abused.”
The FBI confirmed it had launched a global investigation into the sect known as the Two by Twos, or The Truth.
“The FBI, in coordination with our Legal Attaché Offices around the world, routinely shares information and intelligence with our international law enforcement partners in an effort to identify and mitigate a variety of threats,” a spokesperson from its national press office said.
Its legal attaché offices, also known as legats and sub-offices, are located in key cities around the globe and provide coverage for more than 180 countries, territories, and islands.
About 250 special agents and support personnel are stationed in FBI legats worldwide.
The FBI has a sub-office at the American Embassy in Wellington.
“This international collaboration is always done with the consent of the host country and in cooperation with the Department of Justice and the US Department of State.”
The FBI said it encouraged reporting from anyone who thought that they may have been a victim.
“Because the FBI Omaha field office is seeking the public’s help in identifying potential victims, I can confirm an investigation,” the spokesperson said.
“In order to preserve the integrity and capabilities of the investigation, I cannot share any details of the ongoing process. We encourage anyone with information to provide it through its website.”
The FBI declined to comment on whether it had alerted police in New Zealand to its investigation of the 2x2s sect, launched in February.
Its Omaha field office said it was seeking the public’s help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of abuse and/or criminal behaviour that had occurred within a religious group that traditionally has not had a name.
“The group has often been referred to by others outside of the group as “2×2,” “The Way,” “The Truth,” and “The Church With No Name,” among others,” the FBI said.
“While it is natural for parents to want to gain a better understanding of the potential exploitation of their child, further questioning of the child may lead to inaccurate statements and increased emotional trauma.”
* Names have been changed
Amy Williams, Journalist 7:33 am on 29 April 2024
Warning: This story discusses details of sexual abuse
A New Zealand woman who as a child was sexually abused by a member of a secretive sect under investigation by the FBI says the religious group’s leaders spent three years trying to get the man to admit his guilt before advising her to go to the police.
The man was found guilty at trial in 2017 for abuse that began in the 1990s, spent time in jail, was placed on the sex offender register and has since left the nameless sect.
The sect has apologised to any victims for its mishandling of abuse in the past, and said it encourages its people to report abuse to police.
Natalie*, who is now in her 40s, said the abuse was crippling and she lived with chronic illness.
She grew up in the sect, and her abuser was also part of the religious group with no name.
The abuse started when she was 12 years old and at 17 she ran away from home to escape the regular visitor.
By the time she disclosed the abuse to her parents, Natalie was an adult with children of her own.
“It wasn’t until after I disclosed, they all just went, ‘Oh we see it now’,” she said.
“It’s taught … it’s there from the moment you’re born the way things are, the world is unsafe out there but within the fold it’s safe and nobody would harm a child in there because they’re living by the Bible.”
The sect has 2500 members and 60 ministers in New Zealand, meets in homes and has no property, nor an official name – but is commonly known as Two by Twos or The Truth.
Its itinerant ministers, called Workers, travel in pairs and stay in members’ homes – the sect says these ministers are now police-vetted and trained in keeping children safe.
Natalie said when she disclosed the abuse more than 10 years ago, the sect’s leaders spent years trying to resolve the matter in-house.
“They got involved and for three years there was quite a bit of backwards and forwards, with him denying any wrongdoing. They’d gotten to the point where they said, ‘We can’t do any more; he’s refusing help.’
“They said, ‘There’s not much more we can do until you go to the police.’ “
She reported the abuse to the police and the man was eventually found guilty and jailed.
But she said a “purity” culture based on a patriarchal structure meant her immediate family was treated badly by some of the sect’s ministers.
“They’ve had Workers come into their home that won’t look at them, won’t talk to them because of what I’ve done to this ‘innocent’ man. Even if you’re still in the church it will cost you dearly to speak out or have somebody else speak out.”
The sect has been active in New Zealand for more than a century. Spokesperson Wayne Dean said they are a group of people with a common belief in the fundamental teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, and their statement of beliefs were based on the gospel of Matthew.
“We seek to live a quiet and peaceful life amongst our fellow men, hoping to show a good example of Christian living,” he said in an email.
Dean had confirmed police in New Zealand were investigating at least one former minister for historical abuse and the group was aware of 14 cases of allegations against members.
“When a complaint of historical sexual abuse is brought to our attention, we encourage the victim/survivor to report it to the police – the incident is dealt with as required by the law and the alleged offender is stood down from attending any meetings pending investigations.”
The group took every complaint seriously, Dean said.
“Unfortunately, there have been some amongst us that have given in to the desires of their sinful nature and in darkness and secrecy have abused the innocent. Like the rest of society, we are appalled by this and would never condone such behaviour.”
Jillian Hishon runs a hotline for people linked to the sect to report abuse.
Australian victim advocate Jillian Hishon ran a hotline for people linked to the sect to report abuse and said RNZ’s stories had helped more New Zealanders to come forward in the past week.
She was concerned the sect was not doing enough to prevent abuse and help people report historic or ongoing abuse.
“This is something that every single Worker should be banging a drum about.
“In my opinion, they should have just stopped all their meetings and conventions and everything, and sorted all this out and … put across [to] people that they were serious about clearing this up. They’re not doing that.”
A current insider – who RNZ has agreed not to identify – was also concerned about how the sect’s was responding to cases of historic abuse – specifically the lack of information for members and still allowing ministers to stay in homes with children.
“If we’re going to have lasting change among us it has to be influenced from inside and outside. If I leave, I don’t have as much clout…so I haven’t left for that reason. There are things in our way that are really good and there are things in our way that have to change.”
Natalie said she believed things could have been different, had her family and abuser not been in the sect.
“If I hadn’t have been in the church it may have been quite different, the disclosure, the way I handled it. Who was going to believe me – that a professing man would do that?”
* Former members spoke to RNZ on condition of anonymity – names have been changed
Where to get help:
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
WINGS Note: This report relates to previous WINGS posts:
Eric Walter Smith – Nelson, New Zealand: convicted of 12 child abuse charges
Victim Impact Statement (Eric Smith, Nelson NZ)
Overseer Wayne Dean recently told the media “the church encouraged any victims of historical sexual abuse to go to the police”. In this case the victim relived the abuse while reporting to the police and relived it again through a lengthy jury trial at an enormous cost to her own wellbeing.
After all this the workers have still not publicly backed the Court verdict. Accordingly, a number of friends in the area continue to cast aspersions on the victim, despite the Court verdicts.
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”.
https://www.yankton.net/community/article_c8ba7a62-febf-11ee-a2ac-37fecd43f35d.html
FBI Is Seeking Possible Abuse Victims From Elusive Church Group
By Cora Van Olson news@yankton.net
Apr 19, 2024
An isolationist “Church With No Name” is making a name for itself in law enforcement circles as individuals continue to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by its members and elders.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Omaha, Nebraska, field office requested the public’s assistance in identifying potential child victims of a religious group with no o!cial name, referred to by outsiders as “2×2,” “The Way,” “The Truth” and “The Church With No Name,” according to a press release issued in February.
Victims are being sought in the Midwest region including South Dakota.
The Press & Dakotan contacted the FBI for comment but was told that it does not issue statements on ongoing investigations.
The group is active in Nebraska and other states as well as internationally — and also in the Yankton area.
Cynthia Liles, a private investigator based in Oregon, has also been investigating allegations against the sect and is working with FBI investigators.
Liles told the Press & Dakotan that a couple of survivors have reported abuse occurring in South Dakota. Liles was also able to confirm that there is a farm in rural Utica that hosts an annual 2×2 convention, though, to her knowledge, no victim reports have been made in connection with that location.
A P.I. TAKES UP THE CASE
Liles’ investigative scope includes child sex abuse cases against institutions of trust, including Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) or Mormon church and various schools, she said.
Ironically, Liles is a former member of the 2×2 group.
“So, I was helping a couple of women who were abused as children that had been abused by ministers in this church that I grew up in,” Liles said. “Then the scandal broke, and I started a hotline on my phone in March of 2023, and then it’s been a deluge ever since.”
The scandal Liles refers to began with the death of a highly respected 2×2 member, former Overseer Dean Bruer, who was found dead of natural causes in a Best Western hotel room in Government Camp, Oregon, in June 2022.
Ministers of the church are expected to maintain their celibacy and are itinerant, traveling in pairs — hence the name 2×2 — from one member’s home to another’s, Liles said.
“These ministers stay in people’s homes and they’re homeless,” she said. “Bruer died in a hotel room, which was quite unusual for a minister to be staying in a hotel room.”
In addition to housing its ministers, the group keeps to itself and teaches against exposure to television, which made the location of Bruer’s death shocking to many in the sect.
A letter sent to the sect’s elders in Oregon by Bruer’s successor, Overseer Doyle Smith, in March 2023, caused many survivors alleging sexual abuse by Bruer and others in the church to come forward.
There were so many allegations that Liles set up nonprofit Advocates for the Truth (AFTT) to help the survivors report and recover from 2×2 sexual abuse, she said.
A LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP
According to the letter, which has been posted online by survivor groups, Smith said that recent evidence had surfaced that Bruer had been a sexual predator.
“We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us,” Smith said. “There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult. We are very sorry for the hurt this will bring to the hearts of many. Thankfully, he is no longer in a position to hurt anyone.”
The letter went on to say that Bruer’s personal records showed that he had a Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels.
“The receipts often included ‘two guests,’” Smith said. “Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone.
“His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims. We are strongly recommending our staff look at the Ministry Safe Program and possibly other venues that help understand, recognize and prevent such problems.”
Liles said she asked callers what exactly angered them about the situation.
“It was the fact that (the group) waited so long to let people know,” she said. “And, this is the MO of the church in any regard, but with this situation the email and letter went out to elders in Oregon and instructed the elders to either read it to the people meeting with them, or print it and show it to people but (to take the letter back), and they did that. They weren’t actually supposed to hand it out to anyone. That upset people, too.”
THE INVESTIGATION
The 2×2 sect included approximately 200,000-250,000 members at its height. In 2023 Liles’ organization estimated 2×2 membership at around 75,000 — and continues to diminish. The largest congregations are in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
“We’re working with survivors from 30 countries now. So, it is all over the world,” Liles said, noting that the number of perpetrators being investigated has exceeded 800. “Also, if a pedophile was caught in the States or Canada, (the church) would ship them o” to some of these other countries.”
Homegrown congregations in other countries, including India and South Africa, are also discovering that many of their native ministers are pedophiles, she said.
“Most of these perpetrators have multiple allegations against them,” Liles said. “Almost all of the perps reported to us the ministry knew about, because people inform the leadership instead of law enforcement.”
The oldest living survivor that has come forward so far is a 95-year-old woman who was abused by a 2×2 minister when she was 5 years old, Liles said.
Many of the victims that contacted Liles have also contacted the FBI, which has been working behind the scenes since May of last year, she said.
“I got a call from an agent in California. I talked to a homeland security person from Montana and I was
contacted by an FBI agent in Nebraska,” Liles said. “He was very interested in the case and he subpoenaed all of my documentation and agents came to my home in July for two days and went through everything.”
Liles, who forwards perpetrator information she gathers to the FBI, said 2×2 leadership has addressed allegations internally, often with the perpetrator or victim making an apology, and has not involved police.
A SURVIVOR
One survivor contacted the Press & Dakotan about her experience. Her real name is not being used in this article. “Jane Jones” was growing up in Rapid City when the abuse occurred. She said the abuse began when she was 12 and ended three years later. The abuser was married and approximately 30 years old at the time. They met through the group’s religious ceremonies or “Meeting,” and he and his wife became babysitters for Jane and her siblings when the parents were out of town, she said.
“Everybody knew he had this obsession with me,” Jane said. “One time, somebody was looking for me and asked his wife, ‘Do you know where (your husband) is?’ And she said, ‘Well, go find Jane. That’s where he’ll be.”
Rather than being scared of her abuser, Jane was groomed to enjoy the attention and believed they had a special relationship, she said.
The abuse ended when the wife found inappropriate emails from her husband to Jane and also to another underage girl, Jane said.
“I found out she knew, so I called her at age 15 bawling hysterically and apologized to her,” Jane said. “All she said to me was, ‘He should have known better.’ It was never spoken of again.”
Jane said her abuser and his wife went on to become foster parents and also adopted a young girl. Ultimately, he became an elder of the 2×2 group.
As an adult, Jane entered therapy and began to understand that these events were not her fault. Though the statute of limitations had expired, the therapist encouraged Jane to reach out to the sect’s leaders about putting a stop to any more abuse by this man, she said.
Because there continues to be foster children in the couple’s home, the therapist filed a report with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). Representatives of DSS responded that the claims were unsubstantiated and took no action, Jane said.
It is unclear if DSS investigated the allegation.
However, the group’s elders agreed to keep the man from attending meetings and from holding them in his home, but they never shared that information with other decision makers in the sect, Jane said.
She said she monitors the situation continuously to ensure he is never in a position to exploit other children. In the process, she has found church hierarchy uncommunicative because of their fear of being quoted in an online or public forum, she said.
“I emailed them back, and I said, ‘That’s really disappointing, that your fear of the internet took precedence over the care of survivors,’” Jane said. “You should be able to stand behind
your word, no matter where it gets posted. And then I never heard back.”
She has since broken with the church but continues to keep tabs on her abuser.
Liles said the investigation is ongoing but faces a lot of resistance from the church itself, which has no formal structure, does not file with the government and hides its money.
“(It’s) a secret sect that has covered up child sex abuse for over 100 years, for its entire existence,” she said. “They’ve done nothing for the survivors. They still are doing nothing for the survivors, and it’s an institution you can’t sue because they’re under the radar.”
———
Advocates for the Truth can be reached through its website at http://www.advocatesforthetruth.com.
Anyone who believes they or their children have been victimized by individuals associated with the 2×2 group or who has information relevant to the FBI’s investigation is asked to visit, http://www.fbi.gov/2×2 or call the FBI Omaha field office at 402-493-8688.
Parents can report abuse or criminal behavior against their children by this group at https://forms.fbi.gov/2×2, and also receive educational information and resource references for families addressing this issue.
WINGS Note: The authors are all meeting participants. They fear backlash from writing this. It has been sent to all Australian overseers.
29th April 2024
Recently, the overseer of Qld issued a statement regarding a worker who has allegations of inappropriate behaviours with children.
Unfortunately, the overseer’s statement contains misinformation. The statement was published on his behalf via workers in regional areas and then through unwitting Elders to the general fellowship. The overseer has refused to respond to many emailed communications to him from members of the church regarding this matter, therefore we felt that a public response was our only choice to make it known that there are inconsistencies in his statement.
We, the families of some of the victims, would like to correct the misrepresentations. Our information has been obtained from correspondence and a face-to-face meeting with the Detective Senior Constable from the Queensland Police Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Group.
For those who have ongoing concerns regarding the worker’s alleged behaviour, we hope the following information helps provide clarity.
The overseer’s full statement read:
This is to inform everyone that for the second time XXXXX XXXXX has been investigated by the police and thoroughly so, without any charges being laid and the investigation is to proceed no further. None of the allegations made against XXXXX have been substantiated or confirmed and there is no credible evidence that he has ever harmed a child. So we don’t have any reasonable grounds for restricting XXXXX from attending any meetings.
We address the misinformation below:
1 . This is not the second investigation against XXXXX. The current investigation is a continuation of an investigation that began several years prior.
2. The investigation has not been completed.
3. It is correct that no charges have been laid, however it should also be added that this statement is only true up to this point in time.
4. It is misleading to state that the investigation is to proceed no further. The investigation is not closed, it is ongoing. As new information is continued to be obtained, the allegations of harm to children will be continued to be investigated.
5. While it is true that none of the allegations have been “substantiated or confirmed” to any legal standards of proof, the Police have taken all the allegations from children, their families, and the wider community, seriously. According to the police, some allegations clearly fall within the legal definition of causing harm to children. Unfortunately, many victims are unable, or do not wish to come forward, or do not wish to provide evidence in criminal proceedings. The reasons for this are well documented. This does not make their allegations any less credible.
6. The overseer suggests that there is no credible evidence that XXXXX has harmed a child. The police have a number of allegations and witness statements. Some of those statements and evidence do not meet the prosecutorial standard required for a conviction, however each statement helps provide a clear picture of a sustained pattern of behaviour. Regardless of the information collected by the police, there are also multiple witnesses that have brought their accounts before the overseers and workers. Unfortunately, the overseers and workers have not given credence to the victims. Rather, the opposite is true.
7. It is erroneous to suggest there are no reasonable grounds to prevent XXXXX from attending meetings. The statement does not state whether the intention is in private or public places, however, there are reasonable grounds to prevent XXXXX from attending public religious services. It is actually unreasonable for him to attend.
These grounds relate to; the purpose to alleviate the potential risk of harm to children, and the obligation to keep children safe.
These grounds are based on the legal requirements according to QLD law: Failing to take steps to protect children from sexual offenders is an offence.
The grounds to exclude XXXXX from meetings is also stipulated within the ‘zero- tolerance’ policy statements written. This policy was and signed personally by all Australian (except WA) and New Zealand overseers, and issued publicly in 2023
We would also like to remind overseers that some years ago, when XXXXX was sent to labour in SA, the overseer of SA considered XXXXX’s behaviour around children so disturbing, he removed this worker from the ministry. The SA overseer sent the worker back to Qld on the understanding that he would not be permitted back into the ministry. Unfortunately, and possibly illegally, the worker was allowed back into the ministry by Qld overseers. If the behaviour was considered to be a risk to children then, it should still be considered a risk to children now.
While the statement from the overseer insinuates that the matter is closed, it is not. There is no statute of limitations to report child sexual abuse, therefore victims and their families can still come forward when they are ready. We know that the average time for a victim to disclose child sexual abuse is 23.9 years. Men often take longer to disclose than women. Some victims never disclose.
If you have further information about XXXXX, or any other alleged child sex offences, including grooming, and even if you think it is insignificant, please contact Queensland Police, and more specifically, please contact Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Group. This also includes reporting those who have failed their legal duty of care to report any possible or alleged breaches.
Please also, consider reporting your story to The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand, so that your information can be added to their database, and you can receive support and advice. Specific contact details for the Detective in charge can also be obtained from The Brave Truth’, ph 0489 994 566.
Signed,
A group of concerned families and survivors.
In a joint statement, the sect’s Australian leaders Malcolm Clapham, Graeme Dalton, Wayne Dean, Trevor Joll, Alan Mitchell, Steven Thorpe, who are based across several states, told the ABC they took allegations of child sexual abuse seriously.
“We are aware of some historic cases where individuals who were respected within the fellowship abused people’s trust,” they said.
“We acknowledge that these matters were not always appropriately addressed in the past, and we are truly sorry for any immeasurable long-term damage to victims.
“We have learnt from these experiences and are constantly reviewing our current practices to keep children safe in our fellowship.”
They said their intention is to partner with an expert external organisation to review their “policies and procedures and provide independent, unbiased advice and recommendations, particularly in relation to dealing with allegations received from third parties where information can be lacking and difficult to substantiate”.
WINGS Note:
The table below shows some of the key events that have created publicity in Australia. Questions some ask are why did it take so long for overseers to promulgate policies, and are the policies being implemented thoroughly.
| 2008 | WINGS was established with representatives from USA, Canada and Australia. https://wingsfortruth.info/ |
| 2012 | WINGS published a transcript of a sermon by New Zealand worker Graham Thompson, well known in Australia, which provided clear guidance on dealing with child abuse. https://wingsfortruth.info/responding-to-csa/sermon-by-graham-thompson/ |
| 2012 | Victorian State Government commenced an enquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations. The report was published in 2013. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/inquiry-into-the-handling-of-child-abuse-by-religious-and-other-organisations/ |
| 2013 | A Code of Conduct was published by WINGS, developed with the support of several workers and friends, and issued to provide a model for overseers to use in their various territories. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/04/01/csa-code-of-conduct-2013/ |
| 2013 | The Australian Federal Government commenced a Royal Commission Inquiry into CSA in Australian Institutions. The final report was published in 2017 https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/ |
| 2013 | Publicity in the Melbourne Age about abuse within the fellowship. https://wingsfortruth.info/2013/09/25/articles-in-the-age-melbourne-australia/ |
| 2019 | 60 Minutes Programme in Australia had a 25 minute feature on child abuse cases within the fellowship in Australia. https://www.youtube.com/watch |
| 2019 to 2021 | Child Safety Codes and Policies were issued in Australian States Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, ACT, South Australia, Northern Territory, West Australia and Queensland. https://wingsfortruth.info/resources/ |
| 2023 | Australia/NZ Overseers’ Letter to the Church. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/07/01/australia-nz-letter-to-the-church/ |
| 2023 | Australian support group ‘The Brave Truth Australia’ created. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/06/30/australian-support-group-created/ |
| 2023 | Australia / New Zealand Overseers Create Advisory Group. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/08/18/australasian-overseers-create-advisory-group/ |
| 2023 | Convention Guidelines issued, with reminder that Child Safe Policy and Workers Code of Conduct are available on request. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/10/26/convention-arrangements-for-australia-and-new-zealand/ |
Dear friends,
I am very sorry to have to write to you today about our brother Albert Clark. We have recently received knowledge of allegations against him of CSA that date to over 40 years ago. In light of this evidence, we have reported what we know to the authorities in the region where it occurred, and we feel it is best for Albert to stop being active in the ministry. Albert is in agreement with this decision.
Albert has expressed that he is sorry for any harm it has caused, directly and indirectly. I appreciate his humility and his acceptance, and we recognize that it is possible that he has never done anything of this nature since that time. At the same time, we have decided that because he has been engaged in that kind of activity, it is better for him not to be in the work now.
Any kind of sexual activity with a child is wrong, according to the law in our country and more importantly, according to God. There are no exceptions to this, and an adult is always responsible for their conduct toward a child. These kind of actions can’t be undone and they often leave psychological scars that last a lifetime. It’s not that it can’t be forgiven, but it seems that it is much better to address it and deal with it no matter how hard it is. We certainly feel for the victims, and want to be a support in the right way.
Especially if one of our workers has done something of this nature, we hope that everyone would feel free to tell us, and feel free report it to the local authorities. It is important for us to know because the workers are circulating in your homes regularly, and we want to do our part to ensure everyone’s safety. We want to remind you also that if you know about someone who is currently a minor and has been or is being abused, you are legally responsible to report it to law enforcement.
I don’t feel qualified to speak a lot about this subject of CSA, but we have learned through studying about it, and through talking with survivors and experienced professionals about it. We know that this is something that usually happens in secret, and it is very difficult to be open about it; for both the victim and the perpetrator. There is often a lot of shame and hurt associated with it. It often doesn’t come to light until many years afterwards. We try to be understanding and empathetic, but really we know that we won’t be able to truly enter into another person’s difficult and traumatic experience. We’re thankful that God understands and He wants to help us to find healing and comfort. We want to help too, and we are praying to know how to be an encouragement and help to those who are burdened by these heavy trials of life.
We believe and know that there is a path forward for every human being, that leads to life with God. No matter what we have done and no matter what has happened to us. That is the simple truth that we are devoting our life to share. We need help from Him to see that path; and we need humility, courage and self-denial to walk in it. We greatly appreciate those who help us to see the path forward, most of all Jesus who is the perfect example. There is no amount of confusion or deception that can hinder us from going forward in this way, as long as we stay close to him, and keep our eyes on him.
Your brother, Jonathan.
WINGS Note: This is from Johnathon Freeburn in New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.
Albert Clark has been a worker in Halifax-Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
By Amy Williams of RNZ
WARNING: Story contains distressing content about sexual abuse
A victim advocate says police are investigating multiple reports of historical child sexual abuse within a secretive house-church that has operated in New Zealand for over a century and is being investigated by the FBI.
The religious group meets in homes and has no official name but is commonly known as Two by Twos to those who have left, and The Truth to those who belong.
The FBI is investigating the sect in America, where more than 700 alleged offenders have been reported to a hotline. There have also been reports of abuse in the UK and Australia.
It has taken a high-profile FBI investigation overseas and multiple reports of child abuse in other countries for New Zealand victims to come forward.
Jillian Hishon grew up in the sect in Australia, but left the religious group when she married someone who was not part of it.
She now runs a hotline set up for Australasian victims of the sect known as The Truth, after evidence of child abuse emerged in America last year, and has been fielding calls from New Zealanders.
“To date, they are all historical child sexual abuse, so they’ve happened years ago. So these people who have abused, some are still in the church, so some of the abusers are still in the church, they’re still attending meetings, some of them, some have been removed, others have already passed away.”
Hishon said of the 140 perpetrators identified on the hotline, 20 per cent were from New Zealand.
She said people have kept a lid on their trauma for years.
“It’s been swept under the rug, you know, you think you’re the only person and next thing you find out, oh no, there’s actually probably someone in my meeting that was abused, they’ve just been told by the ministers to just put a lid on it and be quiet, and ‘oh we’ll deal with it’, and nothing ever gets done.”
A current member of the Christian sect who was born into it spoke to RNZ but did not wish to be identified.
They said there were between 50 and 60 leaders, known as Workers within the sect, who travel in pairs and stay in houses of sect members, known as Friends, where meetings were held.
“They still stay in homes because it’s an itinerant ministry. That is one thing I think needs to change, that they don’t stay in the homes of families with children,” they said.
“The culture of don’t talk about bad things, don’t make trouble … for the most part historically you didn’t go to police, you didn’t go to media. I think the culture is you don’t talk about it. It’s damaging.”
Hishon said the nature of the meetings in homes created an unfortunate environment for abuse.
“You could have two men come and stay in the home where there’s, you know, four young children and because we trust these people in the church, there could be plenty of time for misadventure.”
The member who spoke to RNZ said they understand there were at least half a dozen historical child sexual abuse reports under investigation by police in New Zealand, of people linked to the sect – some of whom were still actively involved.
They said the sect’s lack of a name was going to make it hard for the police to find a pattern and link the reports of abuse.
RNZ understands police have received complaints relating to alleged child abuse by people within the sect but police have not confirmed this.
Religious expert, professor emeritus of history at Massey University Peter Lineham, said the secretive sect has been active in New Zealand for 120 years.
He has been researching the sect since the 1970s, and said the esteem awarded to the leaders who travelled house-to-house, called the Workers, created a power imbalance.
“Potentially, this is a very vulnerable group of people because in effect the very high respect held towards the Workers or the Two by Twos meant that the ordinary people really had no other point of reference that they could compare notes about what might be happening.”
Lineham said the sect appears to follow Christian beliefs but had a rigorous separation from society and refusal to identify as a group – which made it challenging for those wanting to report abuse.
“If there are issues within them, it’s very difficult to come to terms with those issues because this person may deny that they are a follower of anything when challenged.”
Around 20 people who had left the Two by Twos had spoken to him over the years and all carried shame and guilt and spoke about their dislike for certain leaders, he said.
“What I have seen is [an] extraordinary sort of shame about the group, the feeling that in some way or other this group was in their heads, they couldn’t get it out [of their head], they felt guilty for leaving, they found it very hard to make the break, and that’s the classic behaviour of people who have been in a very closed sectarian group.”
Hishon said she knew of three people linked to the sect who had been forced to leave after reports of child abuse.
But there were others accused who remained in the sect, she said.
“We’re talking about the safety of children, and the safety of victims already. Like you could be sitting in a meeting in somebody’s home and the person sitting across from you mightn’t be your perpetrator but you know that they’re an alleged perpetrator.”
She said it was hard for people to speak out.
“It’s almost a brainwashing of what they’re preaching to make you think like that’s the only place to be kind of thing until you actually get out of the church … for somebody like myself with a Christian faith to realise that God is so much bigger than just this little church, this little faith group, and that maybe what I’ve been taught for the first 39 years of my life, was not exactly how it is.”
New Zealand spokesperson Wayne Dean said he was aware that police were investigating at least one former minister for alleged historical sexual abuse.
The church encouraged any victims of historical sexual abuse to go to the police, he said.
Any alleged offender was stood down from attending church meetings pending investigation, he said.
“I am aware of 14 cases of members that have been asked not to attend meetings,” he said.
“We take every report seriously. Even when it is only considered as inappropriate behaviour. As are some of the cases being dealt with at present.”
Workers have a written Code of Conduct which they signed and were expected to adhere to in all situations, including when they were in members’ homes, he said.
Dean said all workers had to undertake formal and refresher training to keep children safe and perpetrators were banned from meetings arranged by the ministry.
The fellowship fully cooperates with police investigations and reporting of child abuse was encouraged, he said.
“We have done risk management plans and put procedures in place to mitigate the risk of further abuse happening,” he said.
“We acknowledge that these matters were not always appropriately addressed in the past, and we are truly sorry for any immeasurable long-term damage to victims. We have learnt from these experiences, and are constantly reviewing our current practices to keep children safe in our fellowship.”
The church intends to have an expert external organisation to review its policies and procedures and provide independent advice and recommendations, he said.
Currently the church would have an estimated 2500 members across New Zealand, he said.
In two letters posted on a website for the sect’s members last year, its Australian and New Zealand leaders, called Overseers, acknowledged cases of child sexual abuse within the group overseas and said anyone who had been affected by “sexual abuse in our fellowship including workers, reporting to appropriate authorities is required by law and we are available to speak to any people with concerns”.
They said they had a zero tolerance to harming children and set up an advisory group to develop a standard policy and approach for child abuse prevention and survivor support.
“We have communicated our zero tolerance with respect to the harming of children, young people, or anyone within our fellowship and have begun actions to support this stance. The impact of child sexual abuse is devastating and far reaching. Our thoughts are with each one of you who have been affected.”
The FBI declined to comment on whether it had alerted police in New Zealand to its investigation of the 2x2s sect.
Its Omaha Field Office said in February this year that it was seeking the public’s help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of abuse and/or criminal behaviour that has occurred within a religious group that traditionally has not had a name.
“The group has often been referred to by others outside of the group as “2×2,” “The Way,” “The Truth,” and “The Church With No Name,” among others,” the FBI said.
“While it is natural for parents to want to gain a better understanding of the potential exploitation of their child, further questioning of the child may lead to inaccurate statements and increased emotional trauma.”
The FBI asked people with information to fill out a short questionnaire.
Where to get help:
Sexual Violence
Victim Support 0800 842 846
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 – push 0 at the menu
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Family Violence
Women’s Refuge:(0800 733 843
It’s Not OK 0800 456 450
Shine: 0508 744 633
Victim Support: 0800 842 846
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 – push 0 at the menu
The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.
Abuse survivors
For male survivors –
Road Forward Trust, Wellington, contact Richard 0211181043
Better Blokes Auckland, 099902553
The Canterbury Men’s Centre, 03 3776747
The Male Room, Nelson 035480403
Male Survivors, Waikato 07 8584112
Male Survivors, Otago 0211064598
For female survivors –
Help Wellington, 048016655
Help, Auckland 09 623 1296.
For urgent help: Safe To Talk 0800044334.
WINGS Note: Additional reports have now been published.
WINGS Note: This correspondence was marked as Confidential / Not to be distributed, as it included the name of an alleged perpetrator. The Brave Truth have redacted the sensitive details and provided permission for this post. They comment:
On the 16th February 2024, The Brave Truth started communication with Graeme Dalton, State Overseer for New South Wales, Australia with regards to an alleged perpetrator.
We have been very clear with our correspondence to the Overseers and advised previously that will make them aware when we have either 1 Police report, or 3 victim reports without a Police report so they can uphold their own policy of removing alleged perpetrators as per their letter of 1 July 2023. In this case, we have 3 Police reports and also an email in our possession of 2 other Overseers knowing of a victim/s in 2021.
It is heart-breaking for any victim-survivor to see how these cases are dealt with and also very important for the wider ‘friends’ community to understand who they are meeting with.
We are honoured to be able to advocate confidentially for victim-survivors in these situations.
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Friday, 16 February 2024 2:31 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com; xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Confidential: XXXXX XXXXX
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
PO Box 5275 MANLY Q 4179
Email: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
Confidential letter for Graeme Dalton and Lynn Sherlock only.
Not to be distributed.
Dear Graeme and Lynn,
We are writing to advise you that 3 Police Intelligence Reports have been completed concerning XXXXX XXXXX of (Western NSW). This relates to historical unlawful and indecent dealings of persons under 16 years of age. We bring this notification to you in good faith – understanding we are not personally making allegations, but passing on in a private capacity that separate reports have been made.
As leaders of your church fellowship, and in line with your published written comments, we believe you have an interest in receiving this information as you may want to take specific action.
We would appreciate your confirmation of what action you take as it is important to provide confidential feedback to those who have made the reports to us.
By privately and confidentially sharing this factual information within the protection of Qualified Privilege, we’re hopeful that it will help us all to keep children and vulnerable people safe and we want to work with you as much as possible in order to do this. We anticipate by sharing this information it will help expedite this process.
Sincerely,
Jillian Hishon (for and on behalf of many concerned survivors, friends & children)
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275 Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org P: +61 489 994 566
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Wednesday, 21 February 2024 2:17 PM
To: xxxxxxxxx@gmail.com xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Cc: xxxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Confidential: XXXXX XXXXX
Dear Graeme & Lynn,
We are following up our earlier email concerning XXXXX XXXXX as almost a week has now passed and we have not received a response from you.
We would be pleased to hear from you by close of business this Friday (23rd February 2024) that necessary steps have been taken to keep children and other victims of sexual assault safe in the fellowship. Please confirm that XXXXX XXXXX will no longer be attending any church gatherings and the relevant elders have been notified.
It is important that we are able to relay this information to all victim-survivors for them to be assured that there is zero-tolerance, as promised by all Overseers, is being enforced. All correspondence will be added to victim-survivor Police reports.
Whilst our preference is to work with you in relation to information that is supplied to us, if this does not occur, we will have no option but to take the matter further.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Jillian Hishon
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275 Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org P: +61 489 994 566
From: Graeme Dalton <xxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 22 February 2024 7:11 AM
To: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Subject: Re: Confidential: XX
Dear Jillian
Thanks for your email and the information you have provided regarding XX.
Our intention is that we want to protect children and act on all information provided to us.
As the allegations mentioned in your email have not come directly from a survivor, I would appreciate further information in assisting us in taking action. This will enable us to comply with the Royal Commission requirements and NSW mandatory reporting requirements.
Would you please provide the following information:
We note your request in relation to privacy and confidentiality, and assure you that we will use this information only for the purpose of acting appropriately to safeguard children in the fellowship.
Please make any survivors aware that we have an application in to the redress scheme and have received ministerial approval, and that I am at all times willing to speak to any survivor with a mediator present, if they feel comfortable.
Regards,
Graeme Dalton
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Friday, 23 February 2024 3:09 PM
To: ‘Graeme Dalton’ <xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Cc: xxxxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Graeme,
Thank you for your reply to my emails.
As a result of strict confidentiality parameters here at The Brave Truth, there is very little information that can be given other than what is shared in our standard correspondence.
We appreciate your wish to comply with the Royal Commission requirements, and NSW Mandatory reporting.
In response to your requests for information, in general terms:
Regarding XXXXX XXXXX, we have 3 Police Intelligence reports against him. All victim-survivors in this instance were under 18 years of age at the time of the abuse, which occurred in both Queensland & New South Wales. No other identifying information can be released.
To clarify, I would also like to assure you that we would never say there is a Police Intelligence Report if that wasn’t the case.
On the topic of Private and Confidential communications, Workers recently have proven no understanding of this legal provision, hence our letter dated 05/02/2024. This is particularly concerning in instances where Workers have immediately talked to people, disclosing information. That is very alarming in itself, but doubly alarming as they could unknowingly be speaking with a victim of that same perpetrator. It just cannot happen and because of the lax approach by a number of Workers, it has underscored how very careful The Brave Truth needs to be with what information we share. We don’t make false allegations and I can assure you, any information we share with you has come directly from a victim-survivor.
Sincerely,
Jillian Hishon
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275 Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
P: +61489 994 566
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2024 11:02 AM
To: ‘Graeme Dalton’ < xxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Cc: xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Graeme,
As it’s almost 2 weeks since I replied to your email, I would appreciate hearing from you by close of business tomorrow (8th March, 2024) that necessary steps have been taken to keep children and other victims of sexual abuse safe in the fellowship. Please confirm that XXXXX XXXXX will no longer be attending any church gatherings and the relevant elders have been notified.
It is important that we are able to relay this information to all victim-survivors – for them to be assured that there is zero-tolerance being enforced, as promised by all Overseers. All correspondence will be added to victim-survivor Police reports.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Jillian Hishon
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275
Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
P: +61 489 994 566
From: xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, 8 March 2024 8:11 AM
To: ‘The Brave Truth Aus & NZ’ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Jillian,
Thanks for your email and the matter with XX is still progressing.
Kind regards,
Graeme
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2024 1:36 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Graeme,
Further to information I have shared with you earlier, Xxxxx Xxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxx were made aware of accusations against XXXXX XXXXX in 2020. 1 am in receipt of an email sent to Xxxxx on 8 August 2020, to which he replied on 10th August 2020 saying he would be making Xxxxxx Xxxx aware. They were given details of victims to contact.
Also, (NSW) Police contacted me after you’d been to see them recently. I was grateful for the opportunity to let them know about the letter written on 1 July 2023 from Australian & New Zealand Overseers with regards to contacting you if there was anything to report and exactly what part The Brave Truth plays in this and also shared information with him about the very current International FBI Investigation.
Please let me know ASAP how things are progressing with XXXXX XXXXX so I can let the victim-survivors know that this is being taken seriously.
Kind Regards,
Jillian Hishon
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275
Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
P: +61 489 994 566
From: The Brave Truth Aus & NZ<bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Wednesday, 20 March 2024 10:14 AM
To: xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Graeme,
Can you please advise by COB today 20th March 2024 that the necessary steps have been taken to keep children and other victims of sexual abuse safe In the fellowship. Please confirm that XXXXX XXXXX will no longer be attending any church gatherings and the relevant elders have been notified.
It is important that we are able to relay this information to all victim-survivors for them to be assured that there is zero-tolerance being enforced, as promised by all Overseers. All correspondence will be added to victim-survivor Police reports.
Kind Regards,
Jillian Hishon
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275
Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
P: +61 489 994 566
From: xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, 22 March 2024 1:59 PM
To: ‘The Brave Truth Aus & NZ’ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Subject: RE: Confidential: XX
Dear Jillian,
In reference to this email the matter with XX is still progressing.
Kind regards,
Graeme
From: xxxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 2:21 PM
To: ‘The Brave Truth Aus & NZ’ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Subject: re XX
Dear Jillian
I refer to our email correspondence of 22/02/2024 and 29/02/2024.
Noting that we are guided by the Royal Commission recommendations to establish plausibility, and in the absence of an allegation direct from a survivor or having further information of the nature previously requested, I am unable to take the matter further.
If you are able to provide the information requested in my email of 22/02/2024 I will review the matter.
Kind regards
Graeme
From: The Brave Truth AU & NZ <bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2024 11:03 AM
To: xxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Cc: Wayne Dean <xxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: re XX
Dear Graeme,
Thank you for your email of 2nd April 2024.
The information we have provided from victim-survivors of xxxxxxxxxxxx is plausible, including the information about him that was provided after he was appointed as an elder, to Wayne Dean and then Graham Snow in August 2020. The matter was clearly investigated then by the relevant Overseers and some action was taken.
In relation to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse we note your reference to plausibility (Recommendation 16.52). This recommendation references the religious institution’s complaint handling policies. Other recommendations refer specifically to complaint-handling policies and procedures:
We have been advised by members of your church (a number of whom directly support TBTA) that your complaint handling policies and procedures have not been developed or published. As a result, it is unclear how complaints are handled, how investigations are conducted and how decisions are determined.
In our view, this is unsatisfactory given the seriousness of the problem in the fellowship and the comprehensive nature of the Royal Commission’s recommendations which were made over six years ago.
Unfortunately, there is little evidence at this point that child safety is embedded in any meaningful way in the leadership, governance and culture of the fellowship (Child Safe Standard No. 1 of the Royal Commission recommendations). It is also clear that there will be a progressive trust deficit if cases that are brought to your attention continue in this manner.
We acknowledge it is your crisis to manage as you see fit, however, we will let victim-survivors know your stance in this and forward this correspondence directly to the FBI to add to their investigation.
Kind Regards
Jillian Hishon & Ross Bowden
The Brave Truth Australia & New Zealand
P.O. Box 5275
Manly Q 4179
E: bravetruth@thebravetruthaunz.org
P: +61 489 994 566
WINGS Note: We have been advised that the workers/overseers believe that they have not been given sufficient specific information to act against the alleged perpetrator, and that even the Police reports might have insufficient details.
We encourage prompt and open communication between overseers and people reporting allegations.
WINGS for Truth 