A secretive sect embroiled in allegations of abuse is offering advice to “anyone struggling with harmful sexual thoughts or behaviour”.
Known as the Two By Twos or The Truth, the church has sent an email to its members with “resources created to offer possible pathways for those affected by sexual harm”.
Police in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA were currently investigating the group.
In an email, shown to 1News, the leadership said the three documents acted “as a one-stop resource for advice — whether you’re seeking support for someone who has been harmed, for those who have caused harm, or for anyone helping others navigate these situations”.
“This information is an important step in helping us all respond with care to those impacted by harm: whether they are seeking help, addressing harmful behaviour, or supporting others. For some, simply knowing where to turn or realising they are not alone may be helpful.
“Making sure this information reaches people, especially those who may be isolated or hesitant to ask, can make a genuine difference,” read the email.
Former member Jillian Hishon ran The Brave Truth Australia and New Zealand that helped people report abuse claims related to the church. She said the church had already posted online some information for survivors, but it was insulting to do the same for perpetrators.
“To me, that looks like they’re making a way forward for perpetrators, well, the ones that have been removed for them to be able to make their way back in again into the church. We’ve seen it happen overseas.”
Church overseer, Wayne Dean, did not respond to requests for comment, but previously said: “We take a zero-tolerance stance on child sexual abuse.”
‘Not a great look’ – Two by Twos ‘insulting’ move in wake of abuse allegations, watch on TVNZ+
The group’s website stated police checks have been completed for all its leaders, who have signed an updated code of conduct and completed child safety training.
“Further work is underway relating to the management/handling of allegations, and this information will be added here in due course.
“Your continued support is appreciated as work continues to build a safer fellowship,” read the website.
Hishon said she tried to remain hopeful but was continually disappointed.
“You think you’re going to get something more, something new.
“This time, I guess we have got something new, and that’s information for perpetrators.
“But no financial support for survivors at all. That’s where they need to be looking,” said Hishon.
Police would not comment on the number of complaints, the number of suspects, or where its inquiries were at, “to protect the ongoing investigation”.
“It would also be inappropriate for us to comment on the people or organisations we liaise with as part of an investigation,” police said, in a statement.
Psychologist Maria Esguerra was born and raised in The Children of God, which was described as a Christian-based apocalyptic cult, known for exploitation and abuse.
She has read and reviewed the three documents, which made no mention of raising allegations with church leadership.
“While using the language of modern therapy, they are tools of a familiar strategy: protect the institution at all costs,” she said.
“This is not a framework for justice; it’s a sophisticated system for crisis management and avoiding accountability.
“By directing victims, perpetrators, and community members to separate, external services, the church effectively removes itself from the equation, positioning itself as a neutral referral agency rather than the high-control institution in which the harm occurred.”
Esguerra said the most critical failure across all three documents was the complete absence of a pathway to justice.
She said the system wass designed to manage trauma and behaviour, not to hold perpetrators accountable.
It was estimated that the church, with no official name, had 2500 members in New Zealand, who gathered in each other’s homes for worship.
