*Some names in this writing have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

Background:

I am a wife and mother in my mid-thirties, living and working as a consultant in California.  I grew up in small towns North Dakota and Montana.  My parents raised my two sisters and me in an abusive home and in a restrictive, fundamentalist, pseudo-Christian church, which some believe is a religious cult.

My parents’ church claims not to have a name, but members call each other “friends” and refer to their ideas and methodology as the “Truth.”  Some other people call it the Two-by-Two church, in reference to the church’s method of appointing its ministers in same-sex pairs called “workers.”  There are an estimated 200,000 members of the “Truth” worldwide, with the largest concentration in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. 

To whom it may concern:

I was raised in a religious sect known as "The Truth".  As a fourth generation member of this sect I knew no other type of spiritual doctrine. Members of “The Truth”, as with most sects, believed they were “God’s one true people”, and all other doctrines were "of the Devil”.  However pious the workers and "saints" believe themselves, there is documented record of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Often this abuse is perpetrated on women and children, by those who are supposed to be leaders and disciples in "The Truth”. My Father is one of those people.

The first documented case of my father molesting young boys occurred in the late fifties,  before I was born. The 12 year old boy was repeatedly molested over a period of years by my father who was a worker at the time. When the incidents were reported to the "head worker", his response was the often quoted, "Well...the workers are not married and sometimes these things happen". I believe my father "left the work" after this incident and two years later, in 1958, I was born.

The above incident took place in Northern California, but I was born in Lancaster which is in Southern California. I now believe my father molested young boys where ever we lived, including the following:

January 16, 1998
New Mexico

To Whom It May Concern/Dear Forward Press,

Hello!  My name is Y_ _ _ _ _ R_ _ _ _ _.  I left the meetings 1-1/2 years ago, but have been very troubled.  I find I need support in truly learning “The Mind of Christ,” because in 17 years of going to meetings I thought that’s what I was learning.  I had come out of “The World,” as they say, to learn how to be Godly, as that was my heart’s desire!  I did anything they said I needed to do, EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING, until a worker propositioned me to commit the act of sex, but to promise to continue going to meeting no matter what!

Before I continue, I must tell you I had a PAST!  A nightmare of a life, from child molestation from a very religious man to in and out of marriage from age 16, alcoholic father, neurotic mother, etc.  I was seeking love, stability, home, guidance, etc. etc.  At my very first meeting, I thought, “Ahh, I have found it all!”

There’s much more that went on--all through the years so much has happened. 

1030 S. Wildwood St.
Westland Mi. 48186
February 1, 2008

Dear Friends,
   
          I deeply regret having to write this letter to you. A Some former brother workers who labored in the work of the ministry here in Michigan, who you loved and trusted and frequented your homes is (sic) under investigation for child molestation and abuse.

          We are asking those of you who have children who have been in contact with him (sic) or with anyone who you have had some suspicions regarding their (sic) behavior as being unbecoming or inappropriate, after questioning the children thoroughly contact the nearest Michigan State Police Post with a written report and let me know so that I can turn over the information to assist the authorities involved in this investigation.

          It is important that such children involved give an account of the actions of such people so they can be lawfully dealt with and the children can be counseled to help remedy their fears, feelings of guilt or any adverse emotional problems they may presently have or have in the future resulting from the experiences they suffered.

          If there has been in the past or future any other indecent or immoral action by anyone, friend, worker, relative, neighbor etc. We suggest you contact the local law enforcement authorities. We are in full cooperation with them.

Juliette  8/30/07: 

We received a letter from

Lyle Schober and Craig Winquist

today, dated August 28th.

It says...

(My Personal Experience)
 
By "Name Withheld"

Have you ever met a person you just didn't like?

Maybe back in elementary or high school.

You know the one…She never said much, always had her nose in the air, and never had any friends around her. She was usually pretty and seemed obsessed with her looks. Never a hair out of place...perfectly applied make-up... Did you often wonder or even say, "What's wrong with her?" or " Does she think she's better than everyone else?"

Well, guess what?   I'm that person. And I am here to explain it all to you.

Where can I start?