Religious sect’s meeting venue upsets ex-member
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 excommunicated but his parents remained in the nondenominational 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.
“Women 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].”
The former member said he went to several house meetings.
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.
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”.
The Senior Citizens Association has been approached for comment.