Lisa Webb’s account has brought to light the secretive operations of the “Two by Twos,” a religious sect now under FBI investigation for child abuse allegations.
At a Glance
- The “Two by Twos” sect is under investigation by the FBI for child sex abuse allegations.
- Characterized by its secretive nature, the sect lacks an official name and has opaque finances.
- Over 900 abusers reported by victims globally, with cases in more than 30 countries.
- Survivors like Lisa Webb are demanding accountability and transparency within the sect.
FBI Targets Secretive Sect
The FBI is investigating the “Two by Twos,” a little-known Christian sect embroiled in child sex abuse allegations. This group, dating back to 1897, is marked by its secretive nature, lacking formal structure and visible leadership. These characteristics enabled the sect to obscure misconduct and avoid significant legal scrutiny. The agency’s focus comes after numerous allegations surfaced, indicating widespread failure by sect leadership to report and prevent abuse.
Survivors like Lisa Webb and Sheri Autrey highlight how the sect’s practices perpetuated abuse. Leaders often pressured victims into silence, offering protection to reported abusers. This culture of secrecy and forgiveness hindered justice, leaving survivors struggling with their ordeal.
Webb emphasized a shared feeling among survivors, “There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened, but there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.” Such revelations have been vital in prompting the FBI investigation.
FBI is said to be investigating sexual abuse in religious sect known as "Two by Twos (2×2) or The Church with No Name." https://t.co/g52cfoYOzP
— The Tornado News (@TheTornadoNews) June 14, 2024
Global Call for Accountability
Allegations have surfaced globally, documenting over 900 abusers through websites and hotlines across 30 countries. The sect’s decentralized structure and absence of assets are believed to have concealed its operations from authorities effectively. This investigation is not isolated to the U.S. but stretches internationally due to the sect’s extensive reach and impact. Survivors assert sect leaders moved known abusers to different locations instead of reporting them, with substantial support emerging across victim communities demanding change.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” said Webb, describing the ingrained trust that led to unchecked actions within families and community gatherings.
This sentiment echoes through the survivor community championing the call for transparency in religious environments.
Resistance and Progress in Religious Reform
The sect’s resistance to change persists amidst scandal. Despite some internal push for reform, leaders still shy away from adopting comprehensive child abuse prevention policies. Recent events, such as convictions like that of Raymond Zwiefelhofer, highlight legal victories yet underscore the deep-rooted issue within the sect’s culture. Zwiefelhofer, a church elder, was found guilty of possessing 87 images of child abuse material. However, he maintains his innocence against the jury’s conclusion, illustrating the ongoing challenges within the organization’s leadership.
“I’m not guilty. Again, I like to get that – make that clear,” Zwiefelhofer expressed, emphasizing a division between personal accountability and external perceptions of guilt.
Such cases have incited public outrage, propelling investigations aiming for broader arrests and systemic change within the sect. As the FBI proceeds with its inquiry, the demand for transparency grows, pressing sect leaders to adopt much-needed abuse prevention policies.
The Path Forward
In February, the FBI launched a formal investigation, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future abuses. As more survivors step forward, they strengthen the pursuit of justice and highlight the essential need for safeguarding those in religious settings. Despite the sect leaders’ continued resistance, voices like Lisa Webb and Sheri Autrey empower the movement for transparency and responsibilities, asserting a future where accountability prevents such atrocities.
Cynthia Liles, an investigator, voiced the urgent need for action, “An elder leads a group of members in their home through church services. I would say there are almost always children present in the home meetings.” Such insights propel the movement beyond mere awareness to achieve significant industry-wide changes.
