This is a site designed simply as a more permanent information archive for sites and documents concerning very serious moral issues in a religious organization sometimes called the'2x2's', 'Friends/workers', 'The truth' or other names

2023-09-24
This may be regarded as blasphemy against 2x2ism by the "True and faithful"   Why?

A major feeling being expressed on support sites is horror and shame for the enormous moral failings by 2x2 leadership that have come to light since the DB issue broke.  Not just isolated cases ... but a large scale systematic disregard for basic principle that has gone on for up to 100 years by all leadership figures. Extreme disregard and cruelty toward the downtroden and assailed, and now so well documented life destruction for hundreds upon hundreds of victims.

For folks genuinely interested in in truth and decent Christian principle-- however your religious fanticy would twist it, continued participation must be regarded as complete capitualation to the forces of evil in your world!.  Thats how I and many others look at it.

Why is the only realistic alternative so hard to face?

We also found it hard to face 22 years ago --- but it has become the greatest blessing in our lives!

 

A report compiled by one of the friends and published by Wings For Truth September 17th 2023

As of July 14th, 2023, there are credible allegations against 550 abusers.

Each perpetrator has a minimum of 2 separate allegations, meaning there is a minimum of 1500 victims. (and reports continue to roll in)

Around 21 workers in the US and Canada have been removed.

At least 15 or more workers have left on their own due to mental health or personal convictions (just in 2023 so far).

6+ Conventions have been canceled and/or adjusted this year (some by workers, some by the owners).

(Less than half of SA cases and only about one in 10 CSA cases are ever reported to authorities.) Based on statistics about how many victim-survivors a single perpetrator abuses, these reports could indicate 5,000-8,000 people subjected to SA or CSA within the Truth.

 

2023-09-17
 2x2 membership bares  ultimate responsibility for the moral disaster of today

Simply blaming senior workers (rightly enough) for group failure  has been a cowardly way for 'friends and lower ranking workers' to escape their own personal responsibility for the culture that they continue to participate in -- and in doing so give this ugly system its strength to continue.

Rank and file membership has obviously decided that a 'wail and a moan' is as far as they are willing go to go to stand for what is true and right .. No furthér!! .. The personal cost for going further is deemed more than they are willing to pay.

(They are being put to the test and the vast majority are failing!)

 

2023-09-15
The culture of religion

People underestimate the beautiful capacity for life fulfillment, for spiritual development and the moral beauties in ordinary life  - just on a personal basis.

  Professing folks misunderstand  and underestimate the capacity for honourable fellowship and spiritual inspiration in the ordinary folks we live our daily lives amongst.  Why is 'fellowship' with folks in a particular organization regarded as so superior  over the  resources of decency and goodness in 'ordinary' folks?

Where did Jesus ever suggest that 'regular Sunday meetings' was the way to go to apply his teaching to life?

In our family and for myself,  we do not consider that  leaving that culture behind was at all a downgrading of our capacity for Christian spirituality -- or our access to honourable inspiration.  In fact we feel the opposite.  (and life is much simpler!)

Participators!
As they sing their hymns and pray their self-good prayers!!
and turn their backs on the precious lives their leaders have left in pain (as usual)

It is pretty hard for any honest person to deny the ongoing moral disaster in 2x2ism --- and the hundreds, if not thousands of victims ..with  a major part of their lives destroyed, first by the abuse itself and the followed by the utter cruelty of blatant diminishment and denial of the consequences -- followed by a life devastating infection of imagined guilt and shame purposely and systematically injected into the hearts of the tender and defenceless by cult leadership (with membership support)!!! These ugly facts are now documented on a massive scale and cannot be denied.

 These facts and documented atrocities will NOT go away or be  forgotten.
Membership bares responsibility

Leadership bares major blame … but even more discouraging and more serious is the vast majority of followers .. probably at least 95 % of the members … that obviously don’t have the moral strength and courage to take their own responsibility still giving their  continued full participation  (as they have always done) --- in this ugly system that is so obviously the root of immeasurable evil in our communities. Yes EVIL. Evil of the most despicable kind!!

Why are the majority so determined to deny their compliancy -- while they sing their hymns and pray their haughty prayers  -- and claim their superior access to God himself?

2023-09-04

CSA / SA is just one symptom of a deeper issue in the fellowship

I would suggest that the CSA/SA abuse issue is just one of the serious visible symptoms of a very sick and morally destructive social philosofy.
 

Hundreds of others have suffered enormous injustices, abusive cruelty and life destructive treatment that haven't had anything to do with the sexual drive issues that have hit the fan these recent months.
 

That doesn't make them insignificant- There will be no solution for CSA and SA until the root causes of basic evil are dealt with ... Respect for truth and decency!!
Symptom fixing is the cowards solution.

The symtoms of CSA and SA are clear evidence of a deeper problem ... All the "hot lines" , "support centers", "convention rule systems" and "call the police" recomendations in the world are not dealing with the basic problems. The real "root causes of a sick fellowship!

Perhaps a significant question is "Why are abusers and 'abuse defenders' being produced on such a unproportional large scale? 

The site "Advocates for Truth" started after the Dean Bruer issue broke .. report quote "550+ perpetrators with allegations of child sex abuse and sex assault have been reported to the hotline. "
2023

It is structural change that is neccesary ... Don´t try to simplify the problem today to a one symptom fix!!

2023-08-30

By the rivers of Babylon

Lori Kostenuks (Alberta Canada) recent analogy titled "Babylon is falling .. Now what?s" made me think of Boney  M  and the song "By the rivers of Babylon

These first words maybe summarize the feelings of many within 2x2izm these days. "Yeah, we wept, when we remembered Zion"  "Carried us away in captivity Required from us a song. Now how shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"

The solution wasn't to fix Babylon ... It was to return as individuals to "Zion".  Figurative of simply what was right!  

Return from Babylon was as individuals one by one. Leaving Babylon behind!

2023-08-24

 Adequate proof

Recently in a letter of "Guidelines" for a convention ( Eagle Bend Mo) detailed directives of suitable conduct and who would be regarded as welcome and not welcome on the grounds were carefully documented and apparently sent to prospective visitors.

For instance quote "There will be no accused, alleged, or convicted predator or individual allowed on these grounds, IF we know who they are. We will always be on the side of the victims or survivors or potential victims". Well enough!

But clearly different and far more lenient rules shall apply to "enablers" and accomplices to the above crimes.

In the above case "adequate proof" was the declared requirement. 

 Warning: The lack of what they regarded as "adequate proof" is the exact same ugly and immoral escape route senior workers have taken for a hundred years to vilify and diminish CSA victims and set abusers free!!! 

Thus effectively welcoming a group leadership that has consequently protected and concealed these same abusers throughout group history. 
What is hypocrisy?

2023-08-22

Guidelines

There have been some well thought out and quite detailed "guidelines" ´published for how elders (and elders wives) should deal with CSA and SA allegations. (an example)

Seems to me it would be in order  to draw up some "guidelines" as to how workers complicit to abusers should be dealt with!!!  .. and of how allegations of  CSA "victim silencers" and "victim blamers" and "victim ignorers" should be held responsible for their part in the crisis and pain of today.

These "guidelines" need to be developed by folks clearly independent from involvement .. and perhaps with input from victims themselves and their families.
 

2023-08-18

What about the bruised and broken?
Never given space on the fluffy "guidelines" so often published

100s of workers and members have come to light recently guilty of very specific and identified instances of  sexual abuse  --   -

Yet the fact that for every allegation brought forward there is at least one suffering victim    -- most often multiple victims,  seems to have been forgotten.   Why is there absolutely no organizational focus on  dealing with their injury and pain?  This is fundimental to change,

Those that have disregarded and diminished their situation (and likely contributed equally (or even more so) to the injury and suffering)  have seemingly been granted
total organizational absolution for their crimes.  And continue to claim the hightest positions in the organization.  This VERY VERY obviously contributes to their suffering.

For instance the picture on   post 208!!

 

2023-08-16

The ministry

I think it is safe to say that the major problem today is within what they reverently title themselves as "the ministry" -- This is a home made term (the word isn’t used in the bible at all) to describe the highest political and power level in the fellowship. Of course within "the ministry" there are multiple levels as well … lowest ranking are always the females ..then males rising often (but not always) in rank with age and cognitive strengths to the very top levels (always male) – and arriving at these highest levels by secret assignment.

The major crisis today is regarding
serious moral concerns at the very top levels of this "ministry".

Partly because of multiple examples of indecent sexual appetites coming to light – and then a very, very common weakness,  over a long period of time for protecting and harboring lower ranking sexual offenders in the hierarchy .

Equally distressing .. the protection and harboring concern has very often included harsh and cruel treatment of abused victims with the simple and cruel purpose of silencing their cries.

The followup, as we are it seeing now, is an enormous dishonesty in reporting problems in this ministry, with a continuation of internal expulsion campaigns to silence lower ranking membership who would try to express concern and bring light on the issues manufactured at the top.

The top level ministry has become a complete moral pariah that has become impossible to tame!!

 

2023-08-15
Just a little request!! Wonder if anyone has a picture of Mike Hassett that they would consider sending to edgar.massey@gmail.com

The visuel aspect of description can sometimes help make a point,

Thanks

2023-08-13

OVERVIEW from Oxford
harbouring

QUICK REFERENCE

Hiding a criminal or suspected criminal. This will normally constitute the offence of impeding apprehension or prosecution. See also escape.

From:  harbouring  in  A Dictionary of Law »

Subjects: Law

The vast majority of senior workers in the world are likely criminals by this definition
yet claim a monopoly on the the will of God

 

2023-08-10

Losing out

The fear of "losing out" is deep in the 2x2 culture. It is equal to facing a lost eternity .. to failing God .. to being sucked into the horrors of "the world" .. it is equal to the lost capacity for spiritual inspiration and fulfillment.. becoming susceptible to the gruesome awfulness of false religion.. children drawn into drugs and crime. etc etc

In practical reality "losing out" just means chosing to quit going to meetings .. simple as that!!

Then it includes the freedom and responsibility to personally and individually work Christian teaching into daily and family life. Decency, humility empathy, honesty, hospitality, justice, love and thankfulness, mercy, forgiveness, equality, harmony, peace, non-violence etc etc

That is what "losing out" and wearing the "outsider" tag has meant to us!!

For us, we honestly feel that any return to 2x2ism would seriously downgrade our capacity for spirituality and diminish our life quality and our testimony in decency.

 

2023-08-09

Let my people go. Exodus 9:1

Egypt filled an honorable function in its time.. but as leadership became impossible to tolerate, "Moving on" was God’s will and plan so that as God worded it, "my people can serve me"

It required multiple tragic developments and clear evidence that God had withdrawn his support and blessing from leadership, to shake people loose from Egyptian dominance and to strike a new course into an unknown and uncharted personal future

Leaving Egypt behind!

Faith in personal divine support and personal guidance was an imperative condition to reach the promises in the "other side" Egypts borders.

(An interesting detail in the Exodus story. They were reminded that there was gold in Egypt… take it with you!)

 

2023-08-05

I confess – I (and my family) am a longstanding ex. Expelled 21 years ago for criticism, and labeled as extremely bitter and an "enemy of the truth" by the vast majority of friends and workers. I realize there is still an active warning in the fellowship for association with me.

However I still find it interesting (and morally scary) that the now obvious, long going corruption, within 2x2 leadership is dismissed as lightly as it is amongst membership.

Non-contestable top level protection and harboring of hundreds of child sexual abusers (well understood as such amongst themselves) – reaching so criminally far as pressuring silence in victims in the ugliest of manners (shaming, blame shifting, rejection etc) Not just in isolated cases --- but in ever growing volumes of atrocities coming to the surface … over a long period of time.

Yet now, with many of the facts so uncomfortably on the table … Still professing Gods ultimate favor .. and still actively expelling critics from the fellowship (that they profess to own) they receive close to full support and adoration amongst their own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Why is plan B so unthinkable?

 

2023-07-28

I notice that there are still many workers and friends that choose to disregard and close their eyes to the obvious moral crisis in the fellowship at the moment.  (Especially in Canada) 

It is this attitude and cowardly mindset that is the root cause of the basic moral problems of today. (avoiding and ignoring uncomfortable discoveries such as suspected CSA!)

2023-07-25

A false idea that religion would push (especially 2x2ism) , is that development, maintenance and feeding the spiritual and moral aspect of our lives is something that is dependant on organizational participation. That was never the intention in the teaching of Christ. (check the gospels!)

We need to remind ourselves that the wonder of creation has given each of us personal individual responsibility for ourselves, and has promised each of us the capacity and inner guidance to apply genuine spiritual principle into everyday decency and honour ..

And as well, we all have been given the personal capacity to nurture and develop these things in the amazing task and process of inner life fulfillment and dignity.

No organization is necessary – so don’t be afraid to distance oneself from an organization that has failed so many in such a gruesome manner.!!

 

 

 

 

2023-07-22

For folks in distress over the obvious long term (and ongoing) moral failure in the ministry --What are the options?

1: Wait for God to take care of it.
2: Wait for others to influence the development.
3: Personally demand change and improvement in the ministry – and wait for it to happen.
4: Distance oneself (and family) – refusing to participate in tainted organizational sponsored activity and to retake personal responsibility for ones own moral development, spirituality and for activating Christian teaching in daily life.

I and my family tried the first three options for years .. then on the 4th option it was made easier for us, as we were refused to participate in the tainted organizational sponsored activity and had to retake our own personal responsibility for our own moral development, our own spirituality and for activating Christian teaching in daily life.  For us it has worked very very well!!!  We are thankful for the process

 

2023-07-22
There are so many stories/documented examples of long running serious misconduct of senior leadership pertaining to cruel and damaging abuse of subordinate folks in the organization that are coming to light these days.

As a 20 year ex it is becoming harder and harder for me to understand /respect) the moral reasoning behind the choice of so many folks to individually confirm their active participation week after week, year after year in such an obviously long term morally faltering institution /fellowship- It's not as if "going along with it" is the only option open!

At one time .. even long after our exit, I tried to believe that there were professing folks and workers that did have the inner character and interest to stand true and fast for simple basic Christian principle and decency.

Being uncomfortable with developments (understanding the evil)  but still actively choosing to be part of it all, and choosing to be identified with it by continued  personal participation is hypocrisy of the most cowardly kind! 

2023-07-20
I have wondered how things have gone for the worker Alanna MacDonald in NB who wrote a very descriptive open letter about her concerns for the ministry back in April.Today I received this information "
 
Alanna was given an ultimatum to stop being an advocate for the abused or leave. She was very harshly treated by the overseers in a meeting this week and kicked out. 
She spoke very helpfully at a pre convention meeting last Sunday at Ellershouse. Hopefully she will get support from the true friends and staff. 

Here is a link to the workers list for 2023 denying her a companion.

2023-07-19

After reading the facts clearly described in Document #164 under ´Recent letters'
if there is the slightest sence of decency or moral honor in the organization

 Dale Schutz, Barry Barkley and Ray Hoffman
should be asked to step down from the work!
 

Note that lower ranking folks 80 years old and guilty of one 40 year old allegation  have have been correctly "removed" from fellowship meetings with little basis but this single "allegation" !! Yet look at the moral and legal crimes these leadership folks are clearly guilty of!
What is hypocrisy?

2023-07-18

NOTE: Document #161 is a very significant letter!
 

Posted as an open letter written by worker/ex-worker Trevor Larsen Fargo, ND
Chosing to leave the work after delivering a very courageous message at Hermosa SD convention

I don't know this person at all, but my experience in the work helped me understand the brave thought process behind his well written and sincere open letter.

Knowing  the demand for unconditional organizational loyalty in the work and the ugly retribution policies , I can also understand VERY WELL how he felt he couldn't continue in the work after expressing such morally correct thoughts at a convention.  Morally correct in every way, but in direct conflict with 100 year old system policy!!
 

 

2023-07-14
I wonder if anyone remembers the countless convention sermons promising fire and brimstone for a skirt more than an inch over the knees .. or for the evils of a brooch on a dress  -- or cutting a few inches off the hair  --- or the evils of a women wearing a "mans clothing"  -- or a radio in a car -- or a TV in the front room -- or going to a hockey game on Wednesday night .. or a beer bottle in the fridge .. It was regarded important to keep the "standard high" !!etc etc. Not any more.. 

Yes times have changed --- Heard that at convention this year in western Canada ... even the fact of 15 senior workers facing sexual abuse allegations (and concealing sex abuser violations)  along with hundreds of lower ranking folks "removed" yet it
didn't even make the 'mention it list' at convention. this year The recent documentation of hundreds of cases of sexual abuse victims being forced to silence and shame to "save the reputation of the fellowship"   and left with life long mental damage -- no one brought that subject up at all! at least at the conventions I heard about... and literally hundreds of other abuse cases finally being internationally brought to light ..  "Lets talk about something else!!"

And  this  isn't even deemed important enought to mention at the gathering of friends!!  What has happened?

I remember  when moral issues where important in the fellowship (with my parents at least)  ... not any more ... especialy in western Canada ... Professing folks in western Canada don't seem to "give a damn".

 

2023-07-13

A major part of my personal contact net within 2x2ism is in Canada – particularly Western Canada. Sadly I have noticed how workers there (particularly senior workers) don’t seem to have understood the extent or significance or the seriousness morally and legally in disregarding sexual abuse issues– especially CSA.

Significantly, the fast growing ex-community is far far more aware of the issue and its moral and mental consequences than the shrinking membership base has chosen to be. A perfect example of "willful ignorance" being taught as a virtue within the group – and unfortunately succeeding well in the Canadian fields.

Many of the folks from western Canada seem to have been left much more in the dark and kept unaware as to the seriousness of the development in the fellowship throughout the world. Not understanding its moral and legal consequences. Or willing to acknowledge the cruel mental damage done to countless victims that have been silenced and diminished through the years by group leadership...

More responsible regions in the US have been much more anxious to engage in discussion with friends in an honest effort to come to a consensus regarding what can and should be done to create a safer environment for folks within the fellowship in the future.

I can be ashamed of the lack of interest and moral concern in the fellowship in the land where I grew up and  have my roots!!

 

2023-07-11
I took a brief look at one of the online sites for professing people and noticed referens to the 2x2 terminology of "losing out" --- as if this was a bad thing.  The thought was, that to live a life of spiritual fullfillment and harmony with the all powerful forces of creation,  membership status of 'professing' was an advantage. 

Not so ... "losing out" was UNEXPECTEDLY actually the begining of a most wonderful chapter of my life ... and of the lives of my entire family.  It opened up new doors of spiritual fullfillment and guidance that were well out of reach from the inside of the 2x2 bubble.  We have proven this for over 20 years now.

And in reality this "lost out" status is much closer to the teachings of Christ than lifé as membership in a group self-righteously claiming  monopoly on the favor of God!!

 

2023-07-10

I have felt that a renewed expression of appreciation to WingsForTruth is due. Appreciation for their role in collecting and presenting relative information for the issues at hand within  2x2ism. Unfortunetly The "secret sect" aspect of 2x2ism carries probably the greatest guilt in the moral meltdown that has finally reached the surface since the Dean Bruer revelation.

As I understand it, the role that WingsForTruth is playing is simply an information exchange board where effort is made to remain as neutral as possible on all issues except the evil nature of CSA.

As senior 2x2ism has lost their monopoly on "ownership" of the information flow, a horrible amount of very immoral and life destructive  group policy and tendency has come to the surface.  Proving beyond a doubt that senior 2x2 leadership CANNOT be trusted on their own terms.

The hope is that, as access to unbiased information is made more easily available to folks -- without the dishonest "worker filter",   that folks  will be able to use their own God given capacity to choose between good and evil -- between right and wrong.

Once again, a big thank you to WingsForTruth for their capacity and enormous efforts in collecting and sharing the information that will enable wise choices to be made.

Another site that is giving a voice and understanding to CSA survivors from within 2x2ism  is  AdvocatesForTheTruth.com
 

2023-07-05
Thought I would be upfront regarding my position ... I am clearly an ex 2x2er .. after 16 years in the work and 40+ years as 'hearty professing'! After our exit 2001 I attended a number of different Christian groupings in our community.

Regarding if I attend church nowadays!

Seldom -- And if I do it is not for worship... just for some specific person or event that I find interesting for some social reason.

Hardline Christians trusting in theological definitions probably would regard me as a non-believer  -- Inspite of the fact that I firmly believe and live for, the amazing beauty of Christian teaching . ... I believe in non exclusive love for our fellow man -- in the beauty of empathy ..-- the beauty of mercy, humility and forgiveness .-- of equality and justice  -- I believe strongly in moral simplicity and trust in the values of good within us including hospitality and concern for the less privileged...-- I believe in non-violence in conflict resolution ..--.

I also am in awe of,  and have utmost respect and admiration for the amazing and most wonderful forces guiding our universe and the world we live in. An all powerful, all mighty force that we are all part of by creation ... Something  that is far beyond our understanding  --  I believe (as Jesus did)  in the virtue of independence from the religious forces of the world we live in.  -- etc etc 

This kind of life fullfilling spirituality is freely available in daily life for all ---  If these things are our inner purpose and what we love and strive for --- then organized religious church grouping, as such,  fill no honorable purpose in my understanding..

My family  .. wife and 6 children with their families and our grandchildren share a similar set of basic principles and values -- and it seems to work well for us .. 

Now you know!

2023-07-03
Since the Dean Bruer issue broke, countless examples have surfaced of senior workers  efforts to conceal and protect sexual abusers in the organization -- and to vilify and diminish victims. A large number of these  newly published documents describe  this.

Many documents published here illustrate  the horrible and wide ranging extent of this immoral policy. A policy that has been practiced internationally by senior workers throughout a longer period of recent history - Not just isolated incidents! - A group policy justified simply by a dishonest interest in falsifying the purity of the organization.

 Safe to say, these leaders had obviously completly lost touch with the beautiful  forces of Christian kindness, empathy, goodness and moral decency ... yet still arrogantly have demanded respect/reverence and obedience claiming to be "the only true representatives of God on the earth"!!

 

2023-06-30

Unawareness does not diminish moral responsibility when personal ignorance has been an active choice!

Seems that a well used method for 'inside membership' to live with the revelations of recent months regarding vice, cruelty and horror within the organizations, is to cut themselves off from the information flow that would distress them.

Willful ignorance!
 

2023-06-27
Ever sinced it was formed,  2x2ism has purposly and actively created an atmosphere of darkness and fogyness about a major part of its structure and internal politcs.  A darkenss that exceeds that of most other organizations-

For instance its entire financial system is kept completely in the dark so that only the highest ranking leadership really know  its extent or its placement.  However anyone who wants to can calculate its size --- the convention system with worker travel is extensive ... support of workers in foreign fields is significant .. the typical "20 dollar handshake" income is completely insignificant for all these major expenditures. There IS a source!!

The political appointment of senior workers is an aspect that is kept completely in the dark -- even for those directly affected.

The political aspects of worker movement and placement (and matchment)   is never revealed or even discused outside top leadership.. perhaps one of the more significant aspects of the wide reaching CSA scandals  of recent weeks.

The pairing of workers and designation of fields etc etc


There is an internal environment of purposely maintained darkness where the vilest of crimes have obviously had the liberty to operate – and go unseen.
 

2023-06-26
Although it has come at a great cost .. there is an amazing beauty in all the different candles of moral enlightenment that have recently shone light and understanding in an otherwise dark and murky environment – An environment of purposely maintained darkness where the vilest of crimes has obviously found the liberty to operate – and go unseen.

I hope that all the brave souls involved (that we can now read about)  and that have had the courage and moral strength to share enlightenment with us and others, can understand the beautiful moral service they have done to create an environment of purity and decency so that us others can live our lives in honor and in truth.
A very practical version of "Let your light so shine --- "

 

 

2023-06-22

There are proper regrets being expressed regarding different forms of confessed abuse and completely disgusing treatment of victims ( better late than never)

 ..also the recommendations for the future regarding particular issues can seem proper and commendable.

However it does bring up some interesting observations.  If this ministry claims a 100% monopoly on understanding of the will and mind of God,  how could the complete opposite and vile 'group policy' to the policy expressed now  -- enforced with an iron hand for the last 100 years ever have happened??  Senior workers of today inherited these ugly and cruel policys from the generations of senior workers that have gone before them.

The "deny it, hide it, and vilify the victims " policy enforced by senior workers until now is vile and evil!!!

How did the claimed answers to their diligent prayers for a 100 years on these issue go so terribly wrong so many times?  Has God ever even been involved??

 

2023-06-10
There are lots of pledges from senior workers these days that they have better control on CSA issues now. ---

What they say may sound true and right --- but because of the historic reputation of this ministry,  a very red flag goes up to me. 

This is the same 'ministry' that has actively deceived its membership for the last 100 years regarding CSA issues.  Purposely concealing and diminishing the issue with a number of now well understood dishonest techniques.  This was official and systematic dishonesty.

The work has a 100+ historic reputation of only presenting information that is strongly in their favor and of actively diminishing and camoflaging other significant information. 

Remember this before granting trust!!

 

2023-06-07
Thought I'd use this spot to send a little personal 'thank you' to WingsForTruth.info for their courage and considerable efforts to give a voice (and an ear) to folks on the 'inside' with heartfelt moral concerns. Concerns that traditionally have been dismissed and gone quite unheard and unseen in the very secretive and darkest world of higher 2x2ism.  In my opinion they (wingsfortruth.info) are  amazing and positively unique!!  .. (although I will admit that I don't have a full picture of the personal identities.)

Their unwillingness to identify themselves has been hard for me to understand and appreciate in the past --- however I can suspect that it is this factor that has enabled them to gain access to the information flow that in reality, at the moment is the only dependable unbiased information source of the fellowship  -- in North America at least. 

Lets face it --- workers --- especially senior workers definitely cannot be trusted to share the real significant truth and give an honest picture of any serious realities  within!!!  Instead  they are known for their ambiguous, evasive and misleading methods of internal explanation.

I have also   critisized Wingsfortruth.info in years gone by, for painting an unrealistic picture of progress within the group regarding CSA issues.  However these last months it seems that the conclusion seems to have been reached that complete openness and transparency, regardless of offence to individuals, is the only way to a responsible organization.

I still differ with some of WingsforTruth.info basic goals and am quite doubtful of any meaningsful reform-- but at  this stage they have my utmost admiration and thankfulness for  the positive function they are filling in a fellowship that could seem (to an 'outsider' like me) to be in  shameful  disarray.

Thanks again.

Edgar Massey

2023-06-02


One of the false messages of 2x2ism is that "losing out" or being an "outsider" is a very bad thing! 

NOT TRUE!

We have been 'outsiders' for 21 years now .... and these years have surprizingly enough, been by far, the best years of our lives.

As "insiders" we were taught that the "outsiders" had the assurance of a lost eternity with fire and brimstone. 

It was clearly suggested that folks leaving the fellowship of friends would quickly fall for all the evils of "the world" --- all the differnt forms of worldliness ... alcohol .. drugs .. sexual
 promiscuity -- Christmas trees .. divorce and children completely lost to the temptations of the world. etc etc etc.
 
Then there was  the 2x2 promise that "outsiders" have absolutely no access to a genuine spirtitual life and development. Not true!!!

"Losing out" is used as a threat for not following 2x2 protocol ... and "Losing out" is painted in 2x2 colors as a terrible place to be.  That fear is the only reason many folks stay involved in an organization that is quite obviously not what it has given itself to be.

We can warmly recommend the blessings and beauty in the lives of an "outsider"


2023-05-31
Isn't it interesting that the prime factor in measuring 2x2 Christian membership standing (after the 'tested meeting' performance) is regular Sunday morning meeting attendance.  Especially with the fact that Jesus himself never ever seemed to practice or teach this all important 2x2 aspect of 2x2 ritual

Seems that the values that are important in Christian teaching are insignificant to 2x2 membership standing as long as regular attendence to approved fellowship meetings is maintained. 

Think about it, the most common method of "un-professing" is by simply choosing to reschedule Sunday mornings to different activitiy.   In the 2x2 world, this rescheduling will cause the sky to fall in!!!  .. regardless the Christian moral virtue that may be maintained.

 
2023-05-28
From the dictionary --"Patriarchy is a social system in which positions of dominance and privilege are primarily held by men."

Hard to deny that 2x2ism doesn't fit disgustingly well into this description in its organization.  Sex is clearly an important factor in the organizational structure .... and this factor has produced enormous inequality, twisted decision making and injustice -- As well as many of the vile elements of male privelage  -- including abuse.

Saw a program this morning of Denmarks first female Imam in one of the major Islmic fellowships. Her description of problems in male dominence fit so amazingly well into the 2x2 male control mindset. (Ex. a completely different and unique set of rules for women!)

Where are the female overseers .. or why is all major planing and decision making systematically kept out of reach  for sister workers?  Is equality and justice exclusively a 'male privelage'? 

Many of the recent moral abuse issues are clearly connected to this "male privelage" culture that is such major aspect of 2x2ism.

 

2023-05-27
What is self-righteousnes?

How can one excape this title if one openly regards everyone in  EVERY OTHER group in the  world to be less righteous before God than us? If EVERY OTHER ministry in the world is regarded as false prophets--- and we are the ONLY ministry in the entire world that is really true?
How can this mindset be regarded as "humility"?
Isn't this the maximum of self-righteous arrogance?

What is self-righteousnes?

2023-05-25

What is hypocrisy??  
Consider how through the years, especially lower class membership has been harshly repremanded, cruelly shamed and even degraded and expelled for things like dress code infractions .. a glass of wine ... owning a TV .. a ring on a finger --- going to a movie --keeping company with or marrying  an outsider -- missing a meeting etc 

By the same ministry that has proven itself these recent months to be infested with the most vile forms of human behavior ... Even those that haven't been perpetrators themselves,  have systematically  protected and justified abusers  -- and then have continued to demand membership to regard these identified 'abusers'  as 'examples' -- and to follow and respect their leadings as "the servants of God"!! --

What is hypocrisy?

2023-05-21

Looking back on my nearly 50 year experience within 2x2ism, I remember the thought that "losing out"  would mean a diminishment for  the capacity for a fullfilling life and for dignity in living. This was taught in every undertone in the fellowship --

"People outside the fellowship are unhappier .. less spiritual .. and more prone to the evils of a degenerate society.  ...Furthermore folks outside the fellowship have no legitimate hope for eternity".

Just for the record -- It isn't true!! Not even a little bit true!!!   

When we were expelled 22 years ago  .. we'll admit the future did look somewhat scary ... The inbred horror of being an "outsider" with no moral capacity was a fear. 

But I can honestly say the 22 years since then have been the most fullfilling and morally rewarding of my whole life.  I am an old man now ... but extremely thankful for the blessings that have opened up to me and my family these years. There have been bumps along the way ...but none of those 2x2 fears have come true ... and the fullfillment and spiritual  beauty we have seen is far greater than anything we ever experienced "inside the bubble"-

Edgar and family

2023-05-19
When the Dean Bruer issue broke ... first responce was of surprise at such  horrible personal failing ...

Then as this bubble burst, a whole new list of sexual abuse documentation regarding senior workers started to emerge.  It wasn't so unusual at all!

In the last month or so ago abuse issues from deep in the heart of 2x2ism  now turn up on a daily basis

These last weeks we have seen that these issues are being dug up and reported from further and further into the past. Not just isolated cases but in a systematic manner well known to top leadership, suggesting that the myth of "The perfect way" seems to have been an fanticy that NEVER has been true. "The way" is obviously no more perfect than the imperfection of people!!!!  And it never has been!! 

Some of the abuse issues (female oppression for example) were even more prevelant a 100 years ago in the fellowship, than they are to day ----

Neither then nor now has it ever been even close to being a "Perfect way"!!! This "Perfect way" claim is a simple FRAUD progagated by folks that should have known better!
 
2023-05-17

Perhaps the most important piece of doctrine within 2x2ism is in the completely unique and supreme status of the ‘ministry’ as they call it. - "The highest calling!!" Unexplainably -- a life in celibacy!! Folks that believe that just by their calling they have been given a higher and superior access to the mind and power of God, over ordinary, married folks with jobs and families.

They  take  upon themselves the absolute authority to proclaim what is right and wrong for all . A claim on a monopoly on Gods blessing over every other grouping in the world. They teach that God himself because of their calling and their celibacy, speaks to them in prayer in a more dependable way than to others. They believe it is their calling to determine what is best for "the Lord’s people" and to make up the list of things that should be discouraged/ruled out.  And they believe they have the mandate from God himself to both do it and to enforce these things!!

A recipe for corruption???

 

Countless  folks have been shamed, distained and banished simply for not accepting the ministries ultimate authority over right and wrong.  (my family included)

 

2023-05-15

The Dean Bruer issue seems to have opened an enormous can of worms within the previously completely inaccessible, murky  and darkest possible corners of the 2x2 ministry. The whole issue is still pretty much an unholy alliance of fuzzy explanation, undefined promise of improvement, and a whole slew of new question marks for the future.

Remember that this  'ministry is the same self-centered ministry that has appointed itself as morally sovereign, and has claimed the title for itself as the ONLY true connection between the God of the universe and mankind.   ???

 

 

 

2023-05-12

For folks acquainted with bibical history!

The children of Israel lived for years in Egypt ... They had an OK life there for many years, but a chain of events helped them to realize that they were being 'used' and 'misused' by a leadership that was becoming morally difficult to accept from any perspective of justice and decency.

"Moving on" became an option when they began to realize that things were very.very unlikely to significally change.  And even if they did change .. they were going to be run by the same self-appointed leadership that so obviously had betrayed and used them.

It took some shaking up moments -- but they finally understood the wisdom in  taking with them what they could gather as 'gold from the Egypt years" and then in "moving on". Which they did -- Into a future that at first was scary and seemed so unsure... but in the end served them so very well.  That's what I call 'faith'!
 
Think about it!!!

 
 
(We  experienced something like it 20 years ago --- and it has been by far, the best 20 years of our lives!!!)  We will NEVER EVER return to Egypt regardless how politics should change!
 

2023-05-10

I may live on the other side of the world .. and I haven't had a personal tie to the 2x2 organisation for over 20 years. --- Yet the recent events in eastern Canada  by a group of obviously arrogant, extremely self-good and hypocritical senior 2x2 officials has sickened and disgusted me to the extent that I cannot just let it pass. 

It began, as I understand it, with an honorable and sincere sister worker, unable to endure an abuse environment she was working in any longer .. Chosing to quit "the work"  that she had hoped to give her life to -- and at one time had believed in.

In line with the honorable principle of "being a light in dark places", that many of us grew up to believe in, in leaving she courageously chose to describe  the environment of ugly and demeaning abuse that she had fled from. She is not alone amongst former fellow sister workers with these complaints.

Her parents, also in line with their own belief in truth, honesty and decency (and love for their daughter) chose to stand by her side, and help her just to be that candle bravely flickering for enlightenment in the darkest of places.  A responsiblility any honorable parent would, or at least should feel.

Rather than honorably dealing with the offending issues ... top 2x2 officials have chosen, in the selfish interests of protecting the "image of the fellowship", to diminish the seriousness of the sexual abuse issues she endured,. They have chosen to discredit and slander the honor and dignity of this honorable woman (acquiting her abusers)... and then as well, have chosen to punish and dishonor her parents in the ugliest, most painful and most demeaning manner possible.

How can participators in this  fellowship just stand by and look the other way and pretend? Is their no honor, decency or moral responsibility left in membership or the ministry?  What is moral cowardice?

I recognise the mindset from our own history
 

2023-05-05
Had an interesting contact from a BBC journalist today (George Wright) who has got his eyes up regarding the Dean Bruer issue so was seeking information sources on 2x2ism. I told him that for me, the most objective and comprehensive 2x2 site on the net was  https://www.tellingthetruth.info/home/.  I told him that I have written extensively but I make no claim to objectivity. I don't hide that my feelings and emotions influence my writings .. but I do make the claim of correctness in any allegations that I refer to. 

I have also refered to https://wingsfortruth.info/  as a credible site run by  undisclosed "insiders" or "half-insiders"  -- set up to specifically deal with Child sexual abuse in the fellowship.

We'll see where this goes!!
 

2023-05-03

Just found this TicTok video today, Thought it was interesting.
Somewhat sarcastic .. but making some very, very relevant points.
Seems it was made by an Austrailan woman with 2x2 history.

A TicTok video link
 

2023-05-01
Perhaps worth noting!! ... These  recent abuse issues mentioned in the outpouring of letters from senior workers these last weeks, are nothing new in themselves. The abuse itself is longstanding in the fellowshp, and extensive in historical occurence. .. It has gone on for years!  It is the widespread public relations disaster that is new and unique.

Senior workers have been very well aware of  multiple clear abuse issues in years gone by .... but previously they have had the ugly internal capacity to diminish, deny, disregard ---and with well camouflaged motive, to  protect perpetrators --  as well as to shame and divert guilt to victims,   to effectively silence both victims and whistle blowers.  I personally, am aware of many examples of this from my years in the work.  This is moral vise in its most ugly form --- and no honest person can deny it. Moral crimes consciously and systematically commited by organizational leaders.
 

2023-04-30
Of the letters from workers that have finally poured in about the abuse issues that have come to light, many of these letters have started with a complaint about the distressing news they have had to read and acknowledge as true.  The painful part for these senior workers is for the fact that so many examples have turned up and the details of such horrible things have become public knowledge.

Before we start feeling sorry for these responsible workers (and their PR disaster)... remember that every single abuse issue that finally has been swept out from under the 2x2  rug represents an enormous suffering for each and every victim the last 100 years ... especially for the vast majority that have had their pain diminished -- and in many cases undue guilt cruelly placed on them . and also, for most  that have understood that their abusers have been set free and protected by the hightest ranking "Gods servants" in the organization.  It s this pain is really what we with any empathy should feel.  Not the pain in a public relations disaster for the top ranking leadership.

We need to remember that reports of abuse of today are the results of a 100+ year  top policy of diminishing the credibility of abuse victims ... and actively moving blame away from workers ... of moving perpetrators to less suspecting enviorments -- The policy of regarding the "testimony" (public image) of the ministry and of the fellowship to be far more important than the cry of the abused and oppressed.  This does NOT come as a surprise to top group leadership. Every leading responsible worker has been aware of it, and this makes each and every one of them responsible this complete disregard for moral principle.

This by the folks claiming to be Gods sole representatives on earth ... the folks claiming to be Gods onle  true servants!!  Rather sickening.

2023-04-27
It could seem that the issues of today paint the fellowship ín the darkest of its colors  ... However many issues date a long time back in history.  The senior workers of today are bearing the brunt of a 100 year old dark and murky culture, where protecting the image of the ministry was far more important than any moral, decent or honorable principle. 

The age old principle of viligantly protecting devient workers ..moving them to less suspecting environments .. and  the 100 year policy of shaming and abandoning victims  --  and of rejecting and surpressing any form of critisism,  has been a well understood  and well rooted policy in senior workers ever since William Irivine in Ireland.  Yet the communication posibilitys of today, have led to  failure in the group policy of camaflage, leaving todays senior workers high and dry!! 

Maintaining the 100 year policy of claiming a monopoly on  the will of God. The doctrinal claim to superiority over every other grouping in the world is going to be a challenge for workers to suport after this pr meltdown. This 100 year fruitless task  to maintain  an arrogant, self-righteous and hypocritical doctrine is the  forming basis of the moral embarassment of today.

Edgar

 

2023-04-25

Recent letters prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Dean Bruer issue was a well needed catalyzer bringing to light a much greater scope of reprehensible behavior within 2x2ism. (and where sexual abuse is only one of the several forms of abuse that has come to light)

Even more disturbing than individual personal crime, is how this issue has illustrated top leaderships  long term policy and  'dark' culture of finding inticate ways to conceal and deny the abuse issue --developing methods of protecting and relocating abusers -- and then a clear systematic policy of cruelly vilifying and shaming both victims and 'whistle blowers'. 

There is a major risk that the suggestion of a web page from 'MinistrySafe' or equivelent is only a diversion maneuver to side step the basic problem of what is an arrogant and hypocritical mindset claiming total monopoly on 'the will of God'  --- A leadership mindset demanding detail control over membership (down to what they may hang on their walls and how they do their hair) and then selfishly claiming superior Christian understanding over every other grouping in the entire world!

Edgar

 

2023-04-21
I know that 2x2 group membership and leadership would like to imply that the concerns that I and other vocal ex-members share regarding problems in the 2x2 fellowship are exagerated ... and that in reality just insignificant and isolated issues that are already dealt with. Not so!
 
I have formerly been involved with the FB discussion group "Ex-2x2 Support Group" which is only open for ex-members. 

Each of the recent thousandfold membership have had an experience of some kind of abuse or concern serious enought that it has prompted them to personally exit the fellowship --   the exodus process from 2x2ism always comes at a social cost   ... None of them have taken their exit lightly!! ... Those that have gone online with their choice, are only a small portion of the present exodus!

It is clear arrogance as leadership would suggest that these ex-members all are just "morally inferior complainers that are 'not willing' for truth"!! 

The  FB discussion group   "Ex-2x2 Support Group" is just over 1 year old and now has attracted 1762 members - 140 in the last week..    (2023-04-21)   -- and this is only one of a growing number of ex-member groups.  Take this development seriously!

Edgar

2023-04-01

Just wanted to say! --- I have personally decided to try to distance myself as much as honorably possible from the public ex-2x2 discussion environment – An environment that has occupied a certain (sometimes excessive) amount of my time these 22 years since our expulsion. I am 76 now so maybe "it is time"!!

There has been an explosion of new membership applications *  in  ex-2x2 communities  recently. With so many different and unconnected painful stories from the heart (several hundred and not only of sexual abuse but other forms of abuse behaviour ) that have emerged that there is no reason to doubt that enough information is now open on the table for honest folks to ‘weigh it in the balance’ and make honorable decision---when this should be a personal concern ---

Even in the 2x2 internal groupings of the "somewhat true and faithful" and the “moderately true and faithful” as well as the “fanatically true and faithful" there is enough ethically incriminating evidence blown well into the open at this time, for moral decency and integrity to do its work---if that should  turn out to be a personal concern for some.
 

Édgar

 

Comments, corrections and eventual questions are welcome to  edgar.massey@gmail.com