For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action and urging victims to simply forgive the predators in their midst.
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Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations. “There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough," Snyder says.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect's aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement. A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
U.S. News Jared Snyder Ed Alexander Religion Sheri Autrey Lisa Webb Dean Bruer
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