The fundamentalist sect is known by a variety of names including the Two by Twos, The Church With No Name, The Truth and The Way, and has about 8,000 followers across Australia.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an international investigation into child sexual abuse within a secretive Christian sect that has followers throughout Australia.
A hotline for former members who have experienced sexual abuse within the sect in Australia and New Zealand has received allegations involving about 130 separate people.Lisa Smith clearly remembers the moment her dad, a member of the sect, began to sexually assault her."I was the only one in my bedroom. Dad came in and said, 'I need to check if you're developing properly'," Ms Smith said.
Since its launch a year ago, she estimated about 100 alleged victims had contacted the hotline, reporting about 130 separate people. "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. In the towns where the group operates, multiple prayer sessions are held each week in followers' homes.
She said there were many reasons she believed child sexual abuse flourished in the sect, but most prominently it was because of its secretive, strict nature and the encouragement for followers to have a blind trust in its authority. "I conveyed this to senior ministers, and they didn't ever respond. They didn't acknowledge or address it at all.The ABC has spoken with several women across Australia who allege they were sexually assaulted as children while a part of the sect.Charlie Blundell's family has been in the sect for several generations, with some family members holding senior leadership positions in Queensland.
"In order to preserve the integrity and capabilities of the investigation, I cannot share any details of the ongoing process," the spokesperson said.
The Way Coneyites The Truth 2X2s The Church With No Name Fellowship Christian Conventions Child Abuse Religious Abuse Cult Sect FBI Federal Bureau Of Investigation
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two countries come for Australia’s billionsThe Middle East’s mega-rich oil kingdoms can see the writing on the wall. The time of big oil is over. The future is all about critical minerals. And they’ve got the money to leave Australia’s ambitions in the dust.
Read more »
Two men killed in separate workplace incidents hours apart in Western Australia7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
‘Inexcusable’: Angry Australia condemns aid worker killings, Israel suspends two officersThe Israeli military has fired two army officers who were involved in the operation that killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and six fellow aid workers.
Read more »
Chinese Investment in Australia Hits Two-Decade Low Amid Economic SlowdownChinese investment in Australia has reached its lowest level in almost two decades, excluding the pandemic years, and is expected to continue declining as the Chinese economy slows down. According to a report by KPMG and the University of Sydney, Chinese investment in Australia fell by 37% to $1.36 billion in 2021, marking the lowest level since 2006. The decline in Chinese investment is attributed to rising tensions between the two countries.
Read more »
Second quad bike death in two days in South AustraliaA 45-year-old man has been killed in a quad bike crash on a private property near Port Lincoln, the second death involving quad bikes in South Australia in two days.
Read more »
Australia's push for an Israel-Palestinian two-state solution: This is the issue, explainedThe conversation around a potential end to the conflict in Gaza has often focused on the two-state solution, but the idea remains contentious.
Read more »